The Cebu Marathon 2026 is making a bold stride toward sustainability. On January 11, over 10,000 runners will receive reusable collapsible cups—free of charge—as part of a citywide push to reduce single-use waste and support Cebu City’s environmental goals. The marathon is organized by the Cebu Executives Runners Club (CERC).
John Pages, one of the organizers of the Cebu Marathon, explained the shift. “Last January, during the 2025 Cebu Marathon, we disposed of 200,000 single-use cups. That’s 20 hydration stations, with runners tossing one or two cups each time. It’s wasteful. This year, we’re giving every participant a collapsible cup. We hope they’ll bring it, use it, and help us cut that number drastically.”
Pages said the initiative is part of their commitment to help Mayor Nestor Archival’s call for a cleaner and greener Cebu. “We want to help with the mayor’s advocacy related to the environment,” Pages said. “This time, we hope that number will go down by a lot because we’re giving runners collapsible cups for free.”
The initiative aligns with Mayor Nestor Archival’s vision for a cleaner, smarter Cebu. “This is the first time I’ve seen something like this,” Archival said. “It’s simple, but powerful. These cups aren’t waste—they’re resources. If we want Cebu City to be sustainable by 2035, we need to start now. People keep using plastics and throwing them in the streets, which causes dirt and flooding. With this kind of initiative, we can help reduce waste. It’s not waste—it’s a resource.”
Archival also encouraged other event organizers to adopt similar eco-friendly practices. “This is not expensive, but it can go a long way in helping the environment because it’s reusable,” he added.
The collapsible cup is lightweight, easy to carry, and designed for repeated use throughout the race. Runners can refill at hydration stations without tossing anything away. It’s a small change with a big impact.
Cebu Marathon organizers, including Pages, Meyrick Jacalan, and Jesse Taborada, president of CERC presented the cup to Mayor Archival alongside former councilor Mary Ann de los Santos. Their message was clear: sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential.
The CERC has long championed community engagement and continuous improvement. This year’s marathon, now AIMS-certified, meets international standards and opens doors for runners to qualify for global races. But beyond records and medals, the 2026 edition stands out for its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the energy of the 5K, 10K, 21K, or full marathon, you’ll be part of a movement that celebrates endurance, culture, and civic pride. And with your collapsible cup in hand, you’ll help keep Cebu clean—one sip at a time.
Don’t miss out — registration ends November 14, 2025. Secure your spot before the deadline and be part of Cebu’s biggest running celebration!
