The Cebu Marathon 2026 is officially scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at SM Seaside City Cebu, bringing a new wave of excitement for local and international runners alike. Backed by nearly two decades of history, this premier long-distance road race is once again poised to be a major highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.
During a recent press briefing, the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), organizers of Cebu Marathon, unveiled exciting new developments while addressing past concerns and emphasizing the marathon’s unwavering commitment to improvement, community engagement, and sustainability. This year’s edition marks a milestone with AIMS certification, aligning Cebu Marathon with international marathon standards and opening doors for participants to qualify for global races.
The organizers emphasized that the Cebu Marathon is more than just a race; it is a source of pride for Cebuanos. Locals often refer to it as “Atong Cebu Marathon ni,” reflecting a deep sense of ownership and community spirit that continues to drive the event’s success. The race reflects the vibrant Sinulog Festival Cebu is known for.
Early Bird Registration Now Open
Runners eager to secure their slots can take advantage of the Early Bird Promo, which runs from July 18 to August 31, 2025. Joel Juarez, Cebu Marathon race director, shared the official race routes, gun start times, and race categories. Participants who register early will enjoy discounted rates and free CCM26 visors for the first batch of 2026 registrants.
Key Registration Dates:
- 42K & 21K registration opens July 18, 2025
- 10K & 5K registration opens August 1, 2025
Race Categories and Gun Start Times:
- 42K Marathon – 12:00 AM
- 21K Half Marathon – 3:00 AM
- 10K Race – 4:30 AM
- 5K Fun Run – 5:30 AM
Early Bird Rates (until August 31, 2025):
- 42K – PhP 2,499
- 21K – PhP 2,299
- 10K – PhP 999
- 5K – PhP 999
Each package includes premium race kits, with race shirts, medals, souvenir shirts, and towels for longer distances. Island Souvenirs designed the shirts for the marathon. ”Our official event shirt — or shall we call it souvenir shirts — (in 4 different colors) are now produced by Island Souvenirs — one of the top, or (if not) the top souvenir apparel brand in the Philippines and a true Cebuano success story,” Jacalan said. “The race shirts and towels are made by SALT+FIN, another leading sportswear brand known for its high quality materials and workmanship,” Jacalan added.
As founder Meyrick Jacalan shared, “Our designs—since the beginning, we’ve always associated the Cebu Marathon with the Sinulog Festival, that’s why our design direction has always embraced a festive theme full of colors — inspired by Sinulog.”
The marathon’s finisher medals are crafted by Suarez Arts, a name synonymous with excellence in medal-making. “These aren’t your typical mass-produced medals,” shared Jacalan. “They’re premium, high-quality pieces created by Suarez Arts — one of the oldest and most respected medal makers in Cebu.”
What’s New in 2026
The Cebu Marathon 2026 is raising the bar with its official AIMS certification, allowing runners to gain global recognition and qualify for international races. This year’s race route has been enhanced to showcase Cebu’s most iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)—a highlight for both local and visiting runners. With over 13,000 participants expected from across the globe, the event continues to strengthen Cebu’s place on the world stage of long-distance running.
“We also carry this festive mood throughout the entire event — from the expo to the race route and the water stations with different entertainment, music, so that every runner feels the festive mood from start to finish. And for those runners who are serious in competing, our race route is certified by AIMS, our timing system is very efficient, and our traffic control is very good,” Jacalan emphasized.
“We’re not just organizing a run, we’re showcasing Cebu’s spirit and world-class hospitality,” John Pages, one of Cebu Marathon’s founders, said. “Our partnerships with top brands, government agencies, and safety teams ensure that runners will enjoy a smooth, secure, and memorable experience,” he added.
Cebu Marathon 2026 has partnered with some of Cebu’s best homegrown brands such as Island Souvenirs, SALT+FIN, and Suarez Arts. The organizers describe the brands as proudly Cebuano and leaders in their respective industries.
More than a Marathon
Beyond fitness and tourism, the Cebu Marathon continues to give back. Jesse Taborada, president of CERC, confirmed that the event supports health-related causes. A new list of beneficiaries for 2026 is currently under review and will be announced in the coming months.
As environmental concerns grow, Cebu Marathon is preparing to align with the city’s sustainability goals. Organizers revealed ongoing talks about waste management systems, reusable hydration packs, and carbon offset initiatives, in collaboration with Mayor Nestor Archival.
In 2025, the Cebu Marathon welcomed participants from 43 countries, solidifying its place as a key player in the country’s sports tourism. The Cebu Marathon 2026 edition promises to be the biggest and most vibrant race yet.
Get ready to run in Cebu Marathon 2026. Visit www.cebumarathon.com.ph for full race details, registration links, and event updates.
