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Cebu Marathon 2027 Review: The Philippines' Island Marathon Returns

Set for 10 January 2027 in Cebu City, the Cebu Marathon is one of the Philippines' longest-running destination marathons, offering four distances from 5K to the full 42.195km. Registration for 2027 isn't confirmed yet, but the race's history makes it worth tracking.

Cebu City, Philippines

Last updated August 4, 2026

The bottom line

The Cebu Marathon is one of the Philippines' original destination marathons — a January fixture that has drawn runners to Cebu City for years with a four-distance format (42K, 21K, 10K, 5K) and the promise of island recovery: beaches, lechon, and whale-shark watching a short drive away. The 2027 edition is listed for 10 January, though registration hasn't been confirmed yet, which is the main planning gap. The race has historically started in the pre-dawn hours, routing through Cebu City's central districts and across the Marcelo Fernan Bridge to Mactan Island — a course feature that gives the race its signature. Suits runners who want a Philippine destination marathon with established history; wait for registration to be confirmed before booking.

How runners rate it

68/ 100 overall
  • Event history80
  • Destination appeal85
  • Distance range78
  • Registration clarity30

Scores summarise sentiment from the participant reviews cited below, not an official rating.

The Race: A Cebu City Institution

Organised by the dedicated Cebu Marathon team, this race has been a fixture on the Philippine calendar through multiple editions. [1] Four distances — full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and 5km — make it broad enough to attract serious marathoners and first-timers alike. The course historically crosses the Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting Cebu City to Mactan Island, a signature feature that gives runners a bridge-crossing sunrise moment.

The Destination: Cebu City and Beyond

Cebu City is the Philippines' oldest city and its second-largest urban centre — a destination that combines urban running infrastructure with easy access to beaches, diving, and the famous Cebu lechon. For runners travelling in, Mactan-Cebu International Airport has direct flights from across Asia, and the city offers accommodation across every budget. The January date is dry-season in Cebu, with morning temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius.

2027: Registration Not Yet Confirmed

The key caveat: registration for the 2027 edition hasn't been confirmed yet. [1] The official site at cebumarathon.com.ph is live, but the registration portal isn't open. For a race of this history, it's likely a timing issue rather than a cancellation concern — but don't book flights until registration opens. Check cebumarathon.com.ph and pinoyfitness.com for updates.

Should You Run It?

The Cebu Marathon has the history, the destination appeal, and the four-distance format to be a strong 2027 pick — once registration is confirmed. Watch cebumarathon.com.ph for the registration window to open. The 2027 edition is listed for 10 January in Cebu City, Philippines. [1]

References & sources

  1. 1. Cebu Marathon — official race website — Cebu Marathon

Quotes are short excerpts reproduced under fair use and attributed to their original authors; follow the links above for the full context. This article is an independent summary and is not affiliated with the event.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Cebu Marathon 2027?

The race is listed for 10 January 2027 in Cebu City, Philippines. January is dry-season in Cebu. It offers 42.2K, 21.1K, 10K, and 5K. Registration is listed as not yet confirmed open (2027). Cebu Marathon organises the event. [1]

What distances are offered?

Four distances: a full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and 5km. It's held at Cebu City. Registration is listed as not yet confirmed open (2027). Cebu Marathon organises the event. It offers 42.2K, 21.1K, 10K, and 5K. [1]

Is registration open?

Registration for the 2027 edition has not been confirmed yet. Check cebumarathon.com.ph for updates. It's held at Cebu City. It offers 42.2K, 21.1K, 10K, and 5K. Cebu Marathon organises the event. [1]

Planning to enter? See the full facts — dates, distances, pricing and registration — on the Cebu Marathon 2027 listing.

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