More than 8,000 runners took over CCLEX in Cebu

Cebu Marathon held at CCLEX

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is fast becoming Region 7’s icon and landmark. Just recently, CCLEX hosted 8,632 local and international runners for the Cebu Marathon, which is the first since the global pandemic.

“For the first time since CCLEX opened, runners will be able to climb the iconic bridge and run the full length of our expressway linking Cebu and Mactan Island. We can’t wait to welcome runners and allow them to experience CCLEX in all its glory come race day,” said Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) President and GM Allan Alfon, days before the race.

CCLEX became a part of the race route for Cebu Marathon’s 10K, 21K and 42K distances. CCLEX was also featured prominently on finishers’ medals for 21K and 42k runners.

The Cebu Marathon is the second major sporting event to use CCLEX. The event comes months after CCLEX’s successful hosting of the bike leg of the Megaworld  Ironman 70.3 Philippines in August 2022, when hundreds of triathletes and cyclists pedaled their way on the bridge. Athletes described the race route with the inclusion of the CCLEX as among the world’s best.

“Surely, CCLEX is fast becoming a new sports icon, supporting the revival of Cebu’s tourism industry and the economy,” Alfon added.

“Runner’s high is a familiar line used by many runners. It’s that exhilarating feeling that you experience when you’re ecstatic while on the run,” said Cebu City Sports Commission Chairman John Pages.

According to Pages, the 8,000-plus Cebu Marathon participants have experienced a runner’s high – quite literally – due to the bridge’s high elevation from the water.  

The Cebu Marathon is organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club. It started in 2008 with a 21K or half-marathon distance. When it organized the “01-10-10” race in 2010, it was the first major 42K running event in Cebu in a long time. It was also the first to use timing chips.