The 2026 Cebu City Marathon (CCM), an event designed to showcase the Queen City of the South to the international running community, ended in widespread frustration on Sunday, January 11. Despite drawing a record field of 12,000 participants from 47 different countries, the prestigious race was overshadowed by severe logistical failures, primarily a chaotic medal distribution system that left early finishers waiting for hours.
Promises Broken, Runners Boo Organizers
Organizers from the Cebu Executive Runners Club, led by John Pages, had pledged a smoother experience following past criticisms. At a July 2025 press conference, Pages assured participants they could expect an improved event. However, these promises rang hollow as runners openly booed during the post-race program. The core issue was a significant delay in handing out finisher medals, a standard practice done immediately after crossing the line. Medals were only distributed starting at 7 a.m., forcing many who finished earlier to wait extensively.
John Pages, when contacted by SunStar Cebu, stated the organizing club has not released an official statement regarding the complaints. This disorganization strikes a particular blow as the 2026 race carried the new prestige of being certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), meaning runners' times could qualify them for major global marathons like Boston or London.
International Field, Local Embarrassment
The event achieved a milestone in global appeal, attracting athletes from nations including Japan, Spain, and Brazil. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival signaled the official gun start at midnight. The 42-kilometer route offered a scenic tour of iconic landmarks like the Cebu South Coastal Road tunnel, the Provincial Capitol, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and the CCLEX bridge.
Yet, the logistical gaps quickly became the main story. Frustrated participants took to social media to vent. An Austrian runner lamented flying across continents only to return home "medalless." Another joked that medals should be given out with race kits to prevent future issues. A pointed comment on the event's livestream read: "Welcome pa mo og runners outside Cebu unya wala ninyo na tarong og organize inyong run. Pakauwaw lang mo."
Logistical Hurdles Beyond Medals
While some noted better hydration stations and police presence, other logistics were inconsistent. Food distribution was uneven; although 42K and 21K runners were promised "Chickenjoy" meals, supplies ran out. Many received substitute packs containing boiled eggs, longganisa, puso, and a banana instead.
The experience left a bitter taste for many, including 42K runner Rhendon Arcilla. Despite achieving a personal record, he described the event as "makatagam" (regrettable) and was non-committal about returning next year.
Kenyan Dominance and Full Race Results
Amid the chaos, elite runners delivered strong performances. In the men's 42K, Eric Chepsiror of Kenya claimed victory with a time of 2:30:53, outpacing 2025 champion Florendo Lapiz and another Kenyan, Luka Lagat, who both clocked 2:32:46. The women's 42K title was successfully defended by Artjoy Torregosa in 2:53:17, followed by Lizane Abella (3:13:33) and April Joy Alampayan (3:16:06).
Other notable results include:
- 21K Male: Daniel Boiwo (1:09:00), Richard Salaño (1:10:09), Rogen Aguirre (1:11:04)
- 21K Female: Michelle Zamora (1:25:47), Jessa Mae Roda (1:27:50), Pia Englyst (1:29:51)
- 10K Male: Mark Mahinay (32:32), Stephine Delariarte (33:13), Mark Gumaya (33:54)
- 10K Female: Edna Magtubo (38:31), Asia Paraase (41:07), Jeanly Mata (44:03)
- 5K Male: Dhem Aj Monton (15:07), Noli Torre (15:15), Kharl Francis Hubag (15:34)
- 5K Female: Jasrain Mizzy Noval (19:43), Reilizha Kendra Cabiles (19:56), Laarne Dinoy (20:04)
The 2026 Cebu City Marathon will be remembered as a event of stark contrasts: celebrated for its international draw and competitive results, but critically marred by operational failures that left its global participants disappointed.
