CCM 01-10-10 (Part 3 of 3) - Race Day Its A "10"

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The Cebu Executive Running Club, the race event organizers billed the event as, Cebu City Marathon 01-10-10. The event has gotten only praises and approval from its web site, registration, race packet collections, and carbo loading party. In was therefore only fitting that the actual race day highlights be a resounding success. The CCM 01-10-10 was a perfect “10”.

There were 450 runners for the 42k, 600 runners for the 21k and 2500 runners for the 5k. The figure may be substantially less in numbers compared to other races held in Metro Manila, but, the quality and the manner the race was held has earned itself the rank right on top of the best if not the very best of any race events in the Philippines.

I participated in the 21k so could provide detailed account for this category, however, I have talked to more than a handful of those who participated in 42k and 5k that the unanimous verdict were only but praises and satisfaction.



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From the ground venue start/finish at the IT park, program stage, suppliers tents and courtesy booths, sound system, portalets, announcers, and logistical needs were amply provided. The race started on time as emphasized by the organizers. The marshals were not only visibly all over the route, but, were in full control of the traffic flow with flags on both hands to wave the general direction of the race. The roads were not totally blocked but only half of the road was made use for the marathon allow a regulated flow of traffic thus addressing as well the irritant for the motorized riding public. The water stations were more than enough and were serving water or 100 plus and the manner the hydration tables were set up was but perfect with no congestion. There were support bands, dancers and cheerers to give a festive mood during the running event. At the finish line it was but a smooth flow and a welcome atmosphere. And finally, the awarding ceremony was on time and prizes distributed in place. It was a successful race event, a fitting result for a hard earned labour by the organizers, the city government, the sponsors and private businesses who contributed their finances for the race event. As they say when all work together, any goal can be achieved. We salute the Cebu community.



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Feedbacks from those that participated this year will have a long lasting memory of the race event. I am pretty sure that these same people will the walking advertisement for the next Cebu City Marathon next year. While the race is a perfect “10” there will be always room for improvement and I have no doubt that the organizers will come up with more perks and attractions to ensure their hold in the top position. Let’s aim for a double number in participation? I for one will make sure to convince others that the Cebu City Marathon is a “MUST” in any runner’s calendar of events.

My 21K statistics was 02h43m54s nothing spectacular, but, was a joyful and enjoyable run with lots of memories to remember. It was worth the trip with the "Sinulog" school competition that we attented at the Cebu Sports Complex alsoon 10Jan10 from 2-6pm. The competitors were GREAT and the crowd was mammoth! A great experience.





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Viva Pit Señor.

CCM 01-10-10 (Part 2 of 3) - Carbo Loading Party

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After collecting my race packet at the Active Zone of Ayala Center in Cebu, it was almost 6pm and the carbo loading party was about to start.

I have seen so many races in Manila which had held their own Carbo Loading Party. But, none so far can be compared to that of Cebu City Marathon 01-10-10. The organizers made sure for the success of the event. The venue was fantastic, at the Ayala Center Terraces complete with a huge stage, wide screen and blasting sounds.



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The event was opened by a welcome address by none other than the City Mayor of Cebu, Tomas Osmena. I have always said in the past that no matter how good an organizer may be, one critical aspect of a race event is the support of the local government. Without these people and their resources, a race event is doomed for failure. However, for the CCM 01-10-10 it was great to see that there was a good rapport between the organizers and the city government and even to the public themselves. I can only assume that this is typical of the "sinulog" mentality and cooperativeness of the Cebuanos. It was also heart warming to listen to the City Mayor welcoming all their guests something that is appreciated by any guest.

Of course there were ample choices for the guest to select their type of carbo load as prepared and offered by the different restaurant s and outlets within the Ayala Mall. The cost was minimal and reasonable enough.

Cebuanos being very good entertainers had a great band playing for the general public and on the early stages of the event there was even a samba drums.

The main part of the event was of course the briefing provided by the race organizers, Cebu Executive Running Club represented by Mr. John Pages and Mr. Jesse Taborada (am not sure if I got the name correctly). Information provident during the night were specific and comprehensive which would clear any doubts for any participants, particularly from those out of town.



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I did not stay longer after the briefing as it was close to my bedtime, but, again I was awed to what I have just seen and again have only but praises for the organizers. The pictures above will be more than justify my comments and observation during the Carbo Loading Party.

I shall be back for the Race Day accounts of CCM 01-10-10.

CCM 01-10-10 (Part 1 of 3) - Race Packet Distribution

It has been ages since I last made use of Cebu Pacific. It was therefore a good opportunity for me to check on their budget airfare from Manila-Cebu and back. I found that their rate of P3,688.16 per person round trip very reasonable compared to others. I made my booking arrangement at their website without any hassle and was able to select my preferred seats ( row no 1 at that) in just over a minute.

Using Cebu Pacific requires me to make use of NAIA Terminal 3 which will be my first experience to use the controversial terminal. I found the terminal huge and its check-in facilities very passenger friendly and convenient. The facilities are still not completely in use and could only comment that the materials used where not that rigid and class so much so that I have my doubts as to their durability in years to come.

While we boarded the plane on time, the actual departure was delayed by over 30 minutes, requiring us to sit it out inside the plane while parked at the tarmac waiting for airport clearance due to air traffic congestion. Having gotten seat on row no. 1 was just like being on a business class with ample leg space. One incident that I will remember is when the captain was on public address system and announced, “welcome ladies and gentlemen this is your flight 5J-581 from Manila to Cebu, all of you are welcome onboard may you have a down syndrome or not” I would like to take it without offense rather on the context of being apologetic on recent Cebu Pacific legal fiasco regarding a passenger with impaired disability that was disallowed embarkation. I find his announcement was an acknowledgement of airlines shortcoming and wishes to correct itself.

Upon arrival Cebu we immediately proceeded to check-in at the Crown Regency Towers at Fuente Osmena and were caught in the traffic as the “sinulog” procession was on its completion stage and entry at the Cebu Sports Complex. Without wasting anytime, we proceeded to Ayala Center to collect my race packet at the Active Zone activity area.

I was very much eager to check on how the Cebu organizers were handling the process as this part of a race event has been a problem even to some big and known races in Metro Manila. I have only praises and good words to say after what I have personally seen. The venue used was just fantastic, strategically located and the best was the system and flow of race packet distribution. There was nothing special or technical on the manner the flow of distribution was being done, but, only knowing where the items are not being fuzzy on matters that those without claim stub were only required to present an ID to check on their muster list and presto you have your race kit. The whole process was about a minute or so giving you ample time to gaze around the area which had booths and race and souvenir items on sale. As what we are always been reminded a wheel need not be re-invented its just making sure that you know how to use it.

My congratulations to CEBU EXECUTIVE RUNNERS CLUB, Mr. JOHN PAGES and his team for a very orderly and convenient distribution of race packets for the Cebu City Marathon. We can learn a lot from you guys.

The pictures that I am posting with this article will surely provide a better description of the pleasant atmosphere during the event.

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Until my next blog on the “Carbo Loading Party at the Ayala Terraces”, Cebuanos way of welcoming guests and hosting a party!!!!

Cebu City Marathon - Getting Ready

When Cebu City Marathon was announced sometime 3rd quarter of last year, it was something that I wish I could participate. The event will not only be the first official running race for the year 2010, but will be a first of its grand nature that will be held outside of Luzon. The route will also be using the (SRP) South Road Properties, a more or less equivalent of the Skyway we have in Manila. My eagerness was even heightened when the organizers came out with a very impressive webpage (http://www.cebumarathon.com/) which for sure has attracted more eager runners to participate. The webpage was even updated regularly as the race event came nearer.

December came and I was still undecided not because of anything else, but, for reasons only if my schedule will allow me when race day comes. After Christmas, Jinoe Gavan of Takbo.ph posted a reminder to all runners that they only have until 31Dec09 for registration. So on 28Dec09, I decided to register myself for the 21k just in case my schedule allows it and leave it to fate should things work my way or not.

Alas and behold on Monday 04Jan10, I more or less got a clearer schedule to allow me to participate and it was only then that I scrabbled to get an airline ticket and hotel booking for myself and my wife (not runner but an eager/willing Cebu tourist).

I have just completed my travel arrangements and will fly to Cebu on the afternoon of Friday 08Jan10. Then another shock jolted me, I could not find my registration and claim stub for the race! I sent my driver back to Runnr at the Fort to get a possible duplicate copy of my registration, but, copies have been forwarded to Cebu. They instead gave a contact number of Mr. John Pages. Immediately I called John and told him of my problem who was very accommodating and told me just to look for him and show ID proof and there should not be any problem to release my race pack. An invitation was even extended to attend the carbo-loading party which will be held at the Active Zone at the Ayala Center on Friday 08Jan10 at 6:00pm.

I just had a text conversation with Gen.Jovie Narcise (Bald Runner) that he and some members of Bald Running Team will also be in Cebu. I am sure there will also be some Takbo.ph members and other usual runners in Metro Manila that will be there so it would be a very nice way to open a running year with the group.

Cebu City here we come...............