The 2026 Cebu City Marathon (CCM) concluded on Sunday, January 11, not with cheers of triumph, but with a wave of frustration as thousands of finishers were left waiting for their hard-earned medals. Organizers have since issued a public apology for the logistical failure that marred the event for many of the 12,000 participants.
Post-Race Disappointment Overshadows Achievement
Instead of the immediate recognition typically afforded to marathoners, runners who completed the 42-kilometer and 21-kilometer distances crossed the finish line to an unexpected void. The crucial moment of receiving a finisher's medal was missing, turning celebration into confusion and disappointment. The discontent grew so palpable that participants booed the organizers during the post-race program, a stark contrast to the anticipated celebration of athletic accomplishment.
In a statement posted on the Cebu Marathon Facebook page on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Cebu Marathon Organizing Committee expressed deep regret. They acknowledged the profound significance of the medal, stating it is "a symbol of completion and achievement" earned through months of dedicated training. The committee admitted, "We failed to deliver that moment to you."
Supplier Failure and a Desperate Last-Minute Dash
The organizers placed the core of the blame on delivery delays from their long-time supplier, Suarez Arts. This company, which has provided medals for the event since 2011, failed to deliver the shipment as scheduled despite giving repeated assurances. The committee took full responsibility for not ensuring the race essentials were available on time.
The situation became a race against the clock. Organizers were initially informed the medals would not arrive for race day. However, a last-minute release from Customs at the Port of Manila sparked a frantic effort to fly the medals to Cebu. Due to the uncertainty, no official announcements were made to runners on the morning of the event.
The medals, after suffering several delays and offloading issues, finally arrived at the race venue at 6:51 a.m.. Distribution began immediately, but this meant many early finishers had already been waiting for hours. The delayed distribution only started around 7 a.m., a significant departure from standard marathon protocol where medals are presented at the finish line.
Accountability and Recovery Steps
In response to the fiasco, the Cebu Marathon organizers have formally demanded accountability from Suarez Arts. They are requiring the supplier's direct involvement in distributing the remaining medals, especially to runners who are not based in Cebu.
The committee has assured all finishers who could not claim their medals that they will receive them. Affected participants are advised to contact the organizers via email to arrange for delivery. The official contact emails are info@cebumarathon.com.ph or cebumarathon2026@gmail.com.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seamless logistics in major sporting events, where a single failure can overshadow the monumental efforts of thousands of athletes.
