MANILA, Philippines - Jinoe Gavan knows all about going the distance. Five years since he first put on his trainers, the marathon veteran dishes out tips to newbies, weekend runners, and other enthusiasts on his website takbo.ph. Having successfully conquered the country’s major runs such as the Cebu marathon, Quezon City marathon, and Condura marathon, Jinoe has gone on to race in some of the more prominent marathons in the region.
“(I participated in the) Standard Chartered marathon in Singapore in 2009 and Hong Kong in 2010, where I clocked in my personal best of just under five and a half hours (5:29:46),” says Jinoe.
Training for international marathons is no less rigorous than training for local runs: It begins with a training plan, keeping a log, building up mileage, and studying the terrain, all while making good time.
As a runner, Jinoe is mindful of maximized routes, on-the-road safety, and sticking to the shortest possible time. Is it any wonder then that he looks for these same characteristics in his travel arrangements? With its expanding international itinerary, Cebu Pacific, the country’s pioneer in affordable airfare, has become a constant presence in Jinoe’s race across the archipelago and around the region.
“What I enjoyed (about my Cebu Pacific experience) is that the flights were on time, the journey was safe, all my bags and things were taken care of. I did not have major problems with the airline, and I get to focus on the race and the R&R,” he shares.
Jinoe admits that Cebu Pacific’s friendly prices have made marathons more accessible. “I was able to join a lot of events locally and internationally with the best rates from Cebu Pacific. It encourages runners to plan for and join marathons in other countries,” he adds.
Cebu Pacific has year-round Go Lite airfares to some of the region’s most popular running destinations, including Hong Kong and Singapore, for as low as P2,999 per leg. With these affordable rates, Jinoe and his other runner-friends are able to squeeze in a few more days to relax, see the sights and celebrate another completed marathon.
“I usually look for ice cream to celebrate. Then after a nap, I go out and find some local dishes to try, visit the attractions, and go shopping. International marathons attract a large number of participants, making the atmosphere very festive.”
Jinoe is always on the lookout to improve his time, as well as explore new terrains.
So what’s on the horizon for this seasoned runner? “(If the logistics prove feasible), I would love to join the Great Wall marathon. It is said to be full of uphills and downhills, which is definitely a challenge,” he says. The Great Wall of China marathon is scheduled for May 2012. Cebu Pacific has a thrice weekly Manila-Beijing-Manila flight with airfare beginning at P3,999.
While running along the Great Wall may be too daunting for first-time marathon participants, there are a number of races across Asia to suit runners of all inclinations. Standard Chartered holds annual marathons in Hong Kong and Singapore and also plays host to the Sundown Marathon, Asia’s only mass night running event. Cebu Pacific has multiple daily flights to these destinations, giving participants the flexibility they need for their pre- and post-run activities.
Osaka City in Japan has two major runs scheduled for February 2012: the all-female Osaka International Ladies Marathon and the free-for-all Senshu International City Marathon. Cebu Pacific flies to Osaka thrice a week at the promotional rate of P3,999. Cebu Pacific also has two weekly flights to Bangkok and Shanghai, which runners can check into as a pit stop before heading on to the races in other parts of Thailand and China.