Two of my absolute favorite physical activities are running and cycling. Regrettably, for the bustling metropolis of Cebu, safe and dedicated venues for both of these sports are severely lacking. This is precisely why I am profoundly grateful for two separate Sunday initiatives that have emerged: one at the Cebu I.T. Park and another along Mandaue City's F.E. Zuellig Avenue. These programs offer a vital respite for athletes in an urban environment not designed for them.
The Running Struggle in Cebu
I have been an avid runner since 2007, completing my first marathon the following year. To this day, I still cherish the rhythmic pounding of feet on pavement and the euphoric sensation known as the "runner's high." However, over nearly two decades of running in Cebu, I have encountered numerous perilous situations. The city's characteristically narrow roads were simply never intended for pedestrian or athletic use, forcing runners into unsafe proximity with vehicular traffic.
A Stark Contrast to Iloilo City
This urban planning shortfall becomes especially apparent when I compare Cebu to Iloilo City, my birthplace where family still resides. Iloilo boasts exemplary infrastructure, including the expansive Diversion Road, an eight-lane highway featuring generously wide sidewalks. Furthermore, the city is home to the renowned Esplanade, a stunning 9.29-kilometer riverside pathway exclusively reserved for walkers and runners, celebrated as the nation's longest linear park and attracting thousands of daily users.
Adding to this impressive network is the recently inaugurated Sunset Boulevard. This 5-kilometer roadway, stretching from Mandurriao to Oton, not only serves as a convenient shortcut—reducing travel time to areas like Guimbal by twenty minutes—but also functions as another premier venue for runners and cyclists, thanks to its ample sidewalks. Cebu, unfortunately, possesses no equivalent public infrastructure dedicated to active transportation and recreation.
Welcome Initiatives: Car-Free Sundays
This glaring deficiency makes the "Car Free Sundays" programs launched by Ayala Center and the Mandaue City government all the more significant and welcome.
Cebu I.T. Park: A Runner's Sanctuary
Every Sunday from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m., a one-kilometer rectangular loop within the Cebu I.T. Park, consisting of two full lanes, is completely closed to all vehicular traffic. For organized events like 5K fun runs at Central Bloc mall, the area closes even earlier, at 4:00 a.m. This creates a perfect, secure environment for runners. While the route is a repetitive loop, its safety is unparalleled.
Just recently, my daughter Jana and I successfully completed a 25-kilometer run there. The venue offers excellent amenities: convenient nearby parking for accessing hydration and nutrition supplies, available restrooms at The Walk, and ample shade coverage until past 8:00 a.m. An added social benefit is the ease of meeting fellow runners; simply running in the counterflow direction facilitates encounters with different people throughout the session. This invaluable program has been operating successfully since June 2024.
Mandaue City's Zuellig Avenue: A Cyclist's Dream
For the cycling community, another ideal venue has emerged along Mandaue City's Zuellig Avenue. Located behind Cebu Doctors' University in the North Reclamation Area, this entire four-kilometer stretch—from the corner of the upcoming Mantawi Residences all the way to Mandani Bay—is closed to vehicles every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 a.m.
This route is particularly perfect for cyclists, especially those training for time trials or seeking to maintain an aerodynamic position without traffic concerns. The initiative, which provides a critical safe training ground, began its operations back in March 2022, demonstrating a sustained commitment to active lifestyles.
Promoting Fitness and Saving Lives
The importance of these initiatives extends beyond mere convenience. I recently had the opportunity to meet Joy Tabal, the head of sports for Mandaue City, and personally express my gratitude. These Car-Free Sunday programs are not just about promoting community fitness and wellness; they are fundamentally about public safety, helping to save lives by providing protected spaces away from the dangers of mixed traffic. In a city craving better infrastructure, these weekly closures represent a vital, life-enhancing step forward for Cebu's running and cycling enthusiasts.
