CEBU CITY — The Cebu Marathon is entering its redemption era, with a new organizing team and a more hands-on Cebu City government taking charge after recent editions were marred by problems, particularly over finisher medal distribution.
For its 2027 comeback, organizers are promising a smoother, more tightly managed race, with upgraded race kits, guaranteed finisher medals, improved hydration and medical support and a combined 10,500 slots for the 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K distance categories.
The Jan. 10, 2027 race will be organized by DJT Events in partnership with the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), while the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), which founded the Cebu Marathon, will remain involved in a consulting capacity.
Cebu Landmasters Inc. will serve as the event presenter.
DJT Events managing director Danika Johanna Lauchengco Tan said the company will fully direct and operate the race, while CERC will continue providing guidance and consultation.
The Cebu City government will also take a bigger role after previous editions encountered problems, particularly with the distribution of finisher medals.
CCSC chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejaño said Mayor Nestor Archival instructed the commission to oversee the race more closely instead of limiting the city government’s participation to permits.
“In the previous years, the Cebu City government was not part of the organization of the running event, but only played a role in issuing the permits,” Dejaño said.
“But this time around, the mayor wanted us to oversee the overall organization, execution, and overall running of the event so that we will have a better experience for the participants,” he added.
The move follows two consecutive editions that drew complaints from runners.
The 2026 Cebu Marathon drew 11,529 runners from 47 countries but faced criticism over delayed medal distribution, while the awarding program was disrupted by a 42K finisher who raised concerns onstage.
The 2025 edition also drew controversy after runners scrambled for finisher medals, with some participants complaining about the post-race meals.
DJT Events will address the medal issue through earlier preparation, with the finisher medals expected to arrive as early as November.
“As we continue to transition to this new chapter, we will continue to work closely with them through guidance and consultation only,” Tan said.
The 42K will have 3,000 slots at P2,999; the 21K, 5,000 slots at P2,799; the 10K, 1,500 slots at P1,499; and the 5K, 1,000 slots at P1,499.
Registration opens online on Aug. 15 and will run until the end of November or until all slots are filled.
The AIMS-certified 42K route will pass through the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, Cebu Tunnel and other heritage and cultural sites, with SM Seaside City Cebu serving as the venue.
Organizers will also improve hydration stations, medical and logistical support, course activities and runner communication.
All finishers in the four categories will receive medals, with upgraded race-kit entitlements. The male and female 42K Open champions will each receive P70,000.
