My 5th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Clark Animo Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 09-Mar-2025 Sunday in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Marathon 2025

This Fun Run served as my fifth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, following the 7-Eleven Run last Feb. 2025, which started my running enthusiasm last Apr. 2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

TCS Clark Animo International Marathon (TCS-CAIM) is an annual non-profit running event held in Clark Pampanga, Philippines since 2009 (started as Clark Animo Fun Run). It features a PR-friendly WORLD ATHLETICS® certified (formerly IAAF-AIMS) 42.195km full marathon traversing through the heart of the freeport zone. The accredited TCS-CAIM marathon means your recorded time will be recognized by other prestigious WORLD ATHLETICS (WA) marathon around the globe having passed the rigorous process of accurate course measurement undertaken by WORLD ATHLETICS (i.e. TCS-NYC marathon, TCS-LONDON marathon, BERLIN marathon and others).

Race Name: TCS CLARK ANIMO INT'L MARATHON 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,700 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt, loot bag, shipment fee

Location: CLARK FREEPORT ZONE ROUTE two loops)     Cut-off Time: 09-Mar-2025 Sun 0230H-0930H (7 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:50:11 (SUB6)               Pace: 08:18     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 211m               Rank: 81.02% (363rd of 448)

Route difficulty: Full Marathon route with two loos and high total elevation gain of 241m (obviously a not PR-friendly route). Started/Finished in Clark Global City passing through Roxas Highway, Creek's Road, 

Remarks (My rating: 2 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route with two loops and high total elevation gain of 211m. (2) Somehow organized, started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (3) 42km Event/Finisher shirt design is somehow good. Medal design is awesome. (4) 2:30am was a bad start time as the last hours dropped to scorching sun exposure (5) 7 hours cut-off time is short with 2-loops high elevation gain route.

If given the chance, do I like to join this race again? No (repeated loop with high elevation gain)

My 5th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Clark Animo Marathon 2025

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

Filipino Ultra Marathon Solo Joiner 01-Mar-2025 Sunday in Rizal Park, Philippines

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

"I’ve learned that it’s what you do with the miles, rather than how many you’ve run' - Rod DeHaven, Track & Field Coach

This Fun Run served as my Second ULTRAMARATHON (60KM) as a Solo Joiner and the longest run distance I have, following the Pampanga to Bulacan Ultramarathon (50KM) last Jan. 2025, My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Race Name: LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ULTRA 2025     Distance Joined: ULTRAMARATHON (60KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,500 / Finisher's Medal/Shirt/trophy, post race meal (early bird)

Location: LUNETA TO TAGAYTAY ROUTE     Cut-off Time: 01-Mar-2025 Sat 2300H-1300H (14 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 13:21:03               Pace: 11:39           

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 834m               Rank: last finishers 

Route difficulty: Point to point route is the best running route for an ultramarathon. This race has only 4 aid stations, along every 10km on the first 40km only. Starting from Kilometer Zero, Rizal Park, Manila passing through Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang then ends in People's Park, Tagaytay. Total distance of more than 63 kilometers with a continuously ascending route (834m total altitude gain) which is challenging for Ultramarathon beginners.

Remarks (My rating: 0 of 5 stars): (1) Not beginner-friendly point-to-point route with gradually increasing high elevation gain. (2) finisher medal was not issued yet for slow runners (out of stock) (3) Not organized, parang nagpatakbo lang ng mga tambay sa kanto (one-hour delayed start time, magulo ang start race area, no martials on the route, magulo din ang finish race area, no official finish time recorded) (4) Minimal aid station, every 10km of 1st 40km route only to think that the route has 65km distance with the last hours was continuously ascending under scorching weather 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (not beginner friendly, not organized)

My 2nd Ultramarathon (60KM) Solo Joiner; Luneta to Tagaytay 2025

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 01-Feb-2025 Saturday in Muntinlupa City, Philippines

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

"Never limit where running can take you. I mean that geographically, spiritually, and of course, physically."- Bart Yasso, the "mayor of running"

This Fun Run served as my Fourth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner and a Post-Birthday adventure, following the Cebu Marathon last Jan. 2025, which started my running enthusiasm last Apr. 2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

7-Eleven Run Series is an annual run event held by 7-Eleven Philippines, started in 2015, and takes place in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I think this Fun run with Marathon route has the cheapest registration fee ever for a local marathon though the route is terrible.

 

I've been a Long-distance Fun Run Solo Joiner since Apr. 2024, from 10km joining once, to Half-Marathon joining 4x then 32km once. My main triggering factors to join were the FINISHER SHIRT (show-off entitlement shirt) and the running route location. I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was an impulsive, all-of-a-sudden decision). My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON last Oct. 2024. Followed by Asics Rock N' Roll Manila last Nov. 2024. 

Race Name: 7-ELEVEN RUN SERIES 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 1,600 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt, race bib

Location: FILINVEST ROUTE (4 loops)     Cut-off Time: 01-Feb-2025 Sat 2300H-0600H (7 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 06:15:56 (SUB6:30)               Pace: 08:55     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 241m               Rank: 79.52% (396th of 498)

Route difficulty: Four repeated loops is not good/boring for a full marathon. Average route, good for beginners. This race is just for experience only because 7-Eleven run series is known to have a repeated loops for their full marathon route though the cheapest registration fee is enticing.

Remarks (My rating: 1 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route is bad, creating 4 loops is boring. (2) Not so organized but started on time. Lots of refreshments in the water stops. (3) Singlet/Finisher shirt/medal is terrible (dugyot ng quality at design). Shirt size is not even accurate. (4) The cheapest Registration fee for a local Marathon, given item #3, and lots of sponsors that's why this is called a "Loot Run" (5) Not a single portalet is available on any part of the route to think it is repeated 4 times and there's a lot of runners (from 711m participants to Marathoners)

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Definitely No (repeated loops/finisher kit is horrible)

My 4th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; 7-Eleven Run Series 2025 (LOOT RUN)

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

Filipino Ultra Road Run Solo Joiner January 25 to 26, 2025 in Bulacan, Philippines

Ultramarathon Trail (50KM DNF) Solo Joiner; VJ100UTC Baguio 2024

 This Fun Run served as my Second ULTRAMARATHON (50KM) as a Solo Joiner following the VJ100 Ultra Trail Run DNF (50KM). My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Pampanga to Bulacan Ultramarathon 2025 (50 KM) is in its third year of ultra road running distance from Guagua, Pampanga passing through San Fernando, Mexico, San Luis, Candaba then ends in Baliuag, Bulacan happening every first quarter of the year. Not much was provided by the Race Director / Organizer. It's my first time joining a road ultramarathon and my pre-birthday marathon adventure.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. 

Race Name: PAMPANGA TO BULACAN ULTRA 2025     Distance Joined: ULTRAMARATHON (50KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 3,360 / Singlet, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, loot bag, acrylic trophy

Location: GUAGUA TO BALIWAG ROUTE     Cut-off Time: 25-Jan-2025 Sat 2300H-0900H (10 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 09:29:01               Pace: 11:04           

New PR: YES               Elevation Gain: 60m               Rank: 129th of 133 

Route difficulty: Point to point route is one of the best running route for an ultramarathon race with seven aid stations along. Starting from Guagua, Pampanga passing through San Fernando, Mexico, San Luis, Candaba then ends in Baliuag, Bulacan. Total distance of almost 52 kilometers with a relatively flat route (60m total altitude gain) which is awesome for new PR aim.

Remarks (My rating: 3 of 5 stars): (1) Beginner-friendly route, the route has minimal elevation gain (60m) (2) Well-organized, started on time. Minimal water stops. (3) Singlet design is ok / Finisher Shirt/Medal design is good. (4) Registration fee is reasonable enough (5) My opinion/observation during the run, biased toward those group runners (felt some support vehicle finishers, lol!).

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (enough for the experience)

My 1st Ultramarathon (50KM) Solo Joiner; Pampanga to Bulacan 2025

Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown

Chill Pre-Birthday Adventure in Cebu Province, Philippines Jan 18-19, 2025

2 Weeks Budget DIY Solo Trip in Cebu (City, Oslob, Moalboal, Sinulog) Itinerary

The Spirit of the Sinulog Festival: A Celebration of Faith and Culture. The Sinulog Festival is among the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in the Philippines, rich in cultural and historical significance. Held annually on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, the festival pays homage to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, who was once regarded as the patron of Cebu Province. While Jesus is revered as God in the Catholic faith rather than a saint, the event highlights deep religious devotion intertwined with cultural heritage.

https://sinulogfestival.com/about

Key Highlights of the Festival

1. The Fluvial Parade

2. Festival Queen

3. Sinulog sa Kabataan

4. Sinulog Grand Parade

5. Street Parties and Entertainment

6. Sinulog Fireworks Display

I bought my Grand Parade ticket yellow seat for only PHP 500 (early bird promo) on Sinulog website.

Day 11: January 19 Sunday SINULOG

0730H ETD Hostel; jeep to Sports Complex 13; Breakfast 159; lunch 125; dinner 282; snacks 200

0900H SINULOG GRAND PARADE / RITUAL SHOWDOWN / CCSC

1900H SINULOG Grand Finale / Fireworks / CCSC

TOTAL: ₱779

Sinulog Festival 2025 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Fun Run Solo Joiner 12-Jan-2025 Sunday in Cebu City, Philippines

My 2nd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Asics Rock N' Roll Manila 2024

"We are designed to run, and we increase our chance of daily happiness when we do so." - Jeff Galloway, Olympian Runner

This Fun Run served as my Third FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner and a Pre-Birthday / Birthmonth adventure, following the Asics Rock N' Roll Manila last Nov. 2024, started my running enthusiasm last Apr-2024. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

Cebu Marathon 2025 Scheduled for January 12, 2025, this eagerly awaited event invites runners from around the world to experience the thrill of conquering the vibrant streets of Cebu City. All 42k and 25k finishers will be rewarded with a finisher’s shirt, finisher’s medal, and a finisher’s towel. Race kits, including essential items and race singlets, can be claimed from January 9 to 11, 2025, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the race day. The Cebu Marathon, an esteemed annual event since 2008, symbolizes endurance, determination, and community spirit. It attracts thousands of local and international participants, uniting them in their love for running. The event is renowned for its world-class organization and commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

I've been a Fun Run Solo Joiner since 2007 but not as a runner (walker actually as most of the time I was walking), just for the sake of Race Singlet and being a joiner. My longest distance was even 10km (about 2x only), and usual for 5km. I stopped joining because I was lazy and lost interest. More than 10 years later until April 13, 2024, my first official run training for Fun-Run, I was so bored I had nothing to do and no regular hobby (so somehow it was a spontaneous decision). My main triggering factor was the FINISHER SHIRT (bragging entitlement shirt) and TikTok / FB Reels of running tips randomly (not that motivated, just for a push on my interest). From 10km to a Half-Marathon, I suddenly decided again to elevate the distance to a full marathon (42.2km) as my running interest is getting addicted out of boredom and depression. My very first Full Marathon was MANILA MARATHON 2024.

Race Name: CEBU MARATHON 2025     Distance Joined: FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)

Registration / Inclusion: PHP 2,700 (early bird) / singlet, finisher medal/shirt/towel, loot bag, processing fee

Location: CEBU CITY ROUTE (one loop)     Cut-off Time: 12-Jan-2025 Sun 1230H-0830H (8 hours)

Finished: YES               Time: 05:52:22 (SUB6)               Pace: 08:21     

New PR: NO               Elevation Gain: 228m               Rank: 53.94% (1,582nd of 2,933) 

Route difficulty: Difficult route due to high elevation gain (228m). Great view passing through the majestic CCLEX Bridge and other major tourist spots of Cebu City. NOT ORGANIZED FOR MORE THAN 12,000 RUNNER PARTICIPANTS (1. cut-off time was not followed due to squammy runners, 2. minimal refreshment on random 2-table water stops, some runners dashing inside convenience stores just to re-hydrate, 3. race village has no available map, 4. finisher medals were not enough due to squammy runners again, 5. not enough marshals, 6. shirts sizes are not consistent, 7. gun start time was not followed, 8. wearing of wrist band for 3 days was for what ???). The Organizers even claim their race was the Philippines' Marathon major and will be aiming for AIMS certification in 2026. How sad !!!

Remarks (My rating: 2 of 5 stars): (1) Full Marathon route is awesome; passing through CCLEX Bridge, Provincial Capitol and Cebu City Center. (2) 42km Singlet/Finisher shirt design is somehow good. (3) One of the cheaper Registration fee I had for a local Marathon. (4) Cut-off time was not followed due to squammy runners, disrespecting those who trained hard (5) Not organized, minimal refreshments in random water stops. (6) no map available for the runners' village (7) finisher medals were not enough due to squammy runners again.

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? Can't say (hard to PR due to high altitude gain)

My 3rd Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Cebu Marathon 2025