CITOM Oks use of subway for 2nd Cebu City Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time in Cebu running history, the 610-meter twin box underground tunnel located in South Road Properties (SRP) will be included in the race route of the 2nd Cebu City Marathon scheduled to be held on January 9.

After months of preparation, the organizers finally got the approval of the Cebu City Traffic Operations and Management (CITOM) for the use of the P1.6 billion tunnel connecting SRP to downtown Cebu City passing underneath the Plaza Independencia.

CITOM head Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said the petition was already approved by the Board last Wednesday but the details in using the SRP and the tunnel as part of the race route was being mopped up yesterday during a general meeting with the organizers.

“SRP will be closed starting from 10 pm this Saturday until 10am of the race day,” said Jakosalem, a former three-term City councilor.

Meanwhile, the organizing Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) bared that they already surpassed last year’s number of entries as close to 6,000 runners have already confirmed to take part in this Sunday’s race. The inaugural CCM drew over 4,000 participants.

Aside from the 42K full marathon which will be participated in by local and international fitness buffs, thousands will also take part in the 21K and 5K categories.

Cash prizes, freebies and special awards are up for grabs for the winners in each division, while a specially designed mango-shaped medal will be given to all finishers of the 42K marathon. 

The final press conference will be held today at Laguna Garden Cafe in The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama as honored guest. (FREEMAN)