CEBU CITY — More than just a race, the Cebu provincial government hopes the first-ever Governor’s Zero Hunger Run will become a platform for healthier communities and stronger grassroots sports development across the province.
Set on Aug. 2 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds as part of the province’s founding anniversary celebration, the event is expected to attract around 2,500 runners from Cebu and neighboring areas.
Organized by the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC) under the leadership of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, the race will feature five distances — 1K, 3K, 6K, 12K and the 21K half marathon — for both the men’s and women’s divisions.
During the official launch on June 24, CPSC officials said the event aims to combine fitness, community participation and support for sports development programs.
CPSC Commissioner and project chairman Francis Chad Salimbangon assured participants that proceeds from the run would be properly managed and directed toward sports initiatives.
"Actually, we at the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission have committed ourselves to accountability and transparency," Salimbangon said, stressing that the proceeds from the run would directly benefit Cebu province through sports development programs as well.
He added that the race aligns with the commission’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots sports programs, talent development, and wellness initiatives throughout Cebu.
Aside from the competition, organizers said the “Zero Hunger” theme reflects their commitment to ensuring runners are well cared for during and after the event.
CPSC chairman Rhoel Dejaño said water stations and food stations featuring Cebu delicacies will be placed along the route and at the finish line area. Meals will also be provided to participants after the run.
Dejaño said the fun run complements the CPSC’s grassroots development and wellness programs designed to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Participants will receive finisher shirts and medals, while top finishers in each category will compete for more than P230,000 in total cash prizes.
Organizers will also raffle off major prizes such as laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines, smartwatches, gift certificates and a motorcycle donated by private-sector partners.
Registration remains open until July 2, 2026.
Later that month, Nustar Resort & Casino will stage its first Nustar Wellness Run on Aug. 23 at the South Road Properties in Cebu City, with organizers expecting about 5,000 participants across six race categories.
Registration fees are set at P900 for the 1K run; P1,000 for the 3K; P1,100 for the 6K; P1,300 for the 10K; P1,500 for the 16K; and P1,700 for the 21K race.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation, while race director Janice Pasculado said the run aims to promote wellness and community involvement through one of Cebu's biggest running events this year.
The run forms part of Nustar’s monthlong “In Full Balance” wellness platform, which promotes active lifestyles, mindful living, wellness tourism, and community engagement. KAISER JAN FUENTES
