Cebu Marathon

Location: Cebu City
Country: Philippines
Website: https://cebumarathon.com.ph
2025 Marathon Date: 12/01/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 11/01/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:38:40
% Sub-3s: <0.5%
# Sub-3s: <10
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Cebu Marathon takes place in Cebu City, one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the Philippines. Held each January, the event serves as a celebration of running culture in a tropical urban setting, drawing participants from across the country and Southeast Asia. The Cebu Marathon offers a dynamic city backdrop combined with the logistical challenges of racing in warm and humid conditions.

The course begins and ends in the central business district and includes a mix of city roads, flyovers, and coastal sections. The route is relatively flat in places but includes a number of long overpasses and exposed sections. Runners should expect frequent shifts in gradient, a mix of road surfaces, and several tight turns. While the course does not feature steep hills, the combination of heat, humidity and flyovers creates a rhythm-breaking experience that can make even pacing difficult.

Weather is the defining feature of the Cebu Marathon. January falls within the dry season, but temperatures are high by marathon standards, with humidity often exceeding 80% by mid-morning. An early start helps mitigate this to some extent, but even experienced runners must adjust expectations and approach pacing conservatively.

On-course support is strong, with numerous hydration stations and medical crews throughout. The event is well integrated into the city calendar, and spectators gather at key points along the route. Despite this, crowd support is thinner during early morning hours and on quieter stretches.

The Cebu Marathon may not be a natural choice for runners seeking a personal best, but it holds appeal for those interested in testing themselves under pressure. The race offers a window into Filipino running culture, with a festive but competitive atmosphere and strong community engagement. For sub-3 aspirants, the Cebu Marathon is a test of adaptability and mental resilience. It is best suited to runners with experience in warm climates or those using the race as part of a broader travel or training block.