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

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

Chill Pre-Birthday Adventure in Cebu Province, Philippines Jan 09 to 21, 2025

One Week Leisure Trip in Cebu Province with Co-workers (2009) - main trip

Iloilo - Dumaguete - Cebu on Week-End only (2011) - main trip

2 Weeks Visayas to Luzon Budget DIY Solo Trip (2022) - side trip

This trip served as my 4th visit, where my 1st visit happened last 2009 as part of my Co-workers invitation to explore their beautiful province and my 2nd time to witness the Sinulog Festival. Also, the main reason why I came back is because of my 3rd Full Marathon Solo Joiner Adventure.

Cebu Island is long and narrow with a mountainous central spine and the most important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The largest city (and the oldest in the Philippines) is Cebu City, often called the Queen City of the South. The main tourist areas are the islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes where you can find large high-end resorts and hotels offering all kinds of luxury. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Cebu_Island

Cebu Marathon 2025 (42.2km), Cebu city tour, Oslob Whale Shark Watching, Moalboal Beachbumming and laidback stay, Sinulog Festival Ritual Showdown 2025

2 Weeks Budget DIY Solo Trip in Cebu (TOPS Cebu)

Baguio City Side Trip; Northern Blossom Flower Farm DIY Day Tour

6 Day Budget DIY Solo Trip in Baguio City (Pre-Christmas December 2024)

Chill Pre-Holiday Adventure in Baguio City, Philippines December 13 to 19, 2024

6 Day Budget DIY Solo Trip in Baguio City Main Itinerary

Budget DIY Side Trip from Baguio City; NORTHERN BLOSSOM FLOWER FARM Day Trip

Atok, Benguet Dec. 2024

HOW TO GO FROM BAGUIO CITY:

* Go to Dangwa Bus Terminal (less than a km walking distance from Genesis Bus Terminal / Burnham Park)

* Early bus departures are 0300H, 0530H, 0830H

* Bus fare costs ₱150 for 2.5 hr travel / There's a van transpo costs ₱200, faster but need to be full to depart

ARRIVAL AT ATOK, BENGUET:

* Northern Blossom Farm is just 50m away from the highway

* The elevation of Baguio City is around 1,500masl while Northern Farm is 2,300masl

* Recommended to wear long pants and jacket

IN THE FARM:

* Admission fee costs ₱250 (somehow expensive)

* Admission includes complimentary unli refill local coffee and bread

* The farm is 2.5 hectares and can finish at around 1.5hr (almost all imported flowers)

MY ITINERARY (Solo Trip): (Date Visited: 17-Dec-2024)

0700H: Hostel; walk to Dangwa Terminal

0730H: Dangwa Terminal; buy ticket ₱150

0830H: ETD Baguio; ordinary bus

1100H: ETA Atok; walk to Northern Blossom; Admission fee ₱250

1300H: ETD Atok; van to Baguio ₱200

1530H: ETA Baguio

Total: ₱600

Baguio City Side Trip; Northern Blossom Flower Farm DIY Day Tour