I WAS an active runner until I joined the Cebu Marathon in 2012. It was my first 21K experience and I trained for more than two months for it, passing by Banawa almost every night. I didn’t do too badly, too, registering 2 hours and 36 minutes, thanks to Federico Garganera, who paced me in the final turn going to the IT Park.
While enjoying a meal after the event, I told myself that I’d rest from running for a while, maybe a couple of weeks, before taking up the daily grind again of running again.
Well, hello 2018. That couple of weeks’ rest is going to its 312nd week come Sunday, when the 2018 edition of the Cebu Marathon comes along. John Pages, Meyrick Jacalan and the rest of the CERC jokingly said they’d allow a late registration for me should I decide to join the 21K. However, since I have no plans of torturing myself for over two hours, I’ll skip this year’s event.
But I’m glad that so many others didn’t this year as it attracted a record field.
The number, I think, speaks well of the reputation of the CERC. Last year, there were a lot of “I won’t run the Cebu Marathon” posts anymore because of their not-so-enjoyable experience.
“Bisaya na pud” could be this year’s theme and no, the CERC members didn’t suddenly become foul-mouthed supporters of The Man; they simply are taking the lead again after playing second fiddle to RunRio in the past two years.
And because it’s the CERC, it means the event will put “the fiesta” back in the festive event, which will again have entertainment teams in all of the 18 hydro stations.
They have more surprises too, from the time you start, during the run and when you cross the finish line.
What these surprises are, even the members of the media weren’t told. So I guess, it’s something that you have to experience for yourself.
So, enjoy this Sunday’s event. Even if you’re not joining, do check the nearest water station near you and enjoy the entertainment along with the participants. Just make sure that you’re not impeding participants.
Again, because it’s a running event, some roads may be partially closed so better prepare for your Sunday’s schedule—or very late Saturday party. If you get caught in traffic, better get down from your car and enjoy the view.