Cebu’s first uphill half marathon this July

EVENT. Cebu’s first-ever uphill international half marathon, Run to Tops, held its media launch on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Tops. Race day is set for July 13.

Cebu’s running culture continues to evolve as it prepares to host its first international half marathon with a distinct feature: an uphill route that takes runners through urban streets and up to Tops Lookout, one of the city’s most iconic upland destinations.

The Enervon Run to Tops, officially launched on Monday, April 28, 2025, will take place on July 13. The event combines long-distance endurance, elevation gain and scenic appreciation in one course. The timed race aims to highlight community engagement, physical challenge and Cebu’s natural beauty.

Participants can choose from 21k, 16k and 10k categories, with the starting line set at Cebu IT Park. The route navigates through key areas of the city before culminating in an uphill climb to Tops, known for its panoramic views of Metro Cebu.

According to race director Joel Juarez, the event is designed for runners looking for more than the typical city marathon. Special features include hydration and fruit stations, a limited-slot registration system and a post-race concert featuring Cebu rock band Missing Filemon.

A key element of the race is the Trifecta Medal System, where finishers receive medal pieces per milestone. Race organizer Wilma Monares shared that the system is meant to represent each runner’s progress, resilience and commitment — making the medal not just a souvenir but a symbol of their journey to the top.

Registered runners hail from different parts of the Philippines — including Davao, Dumaguete and Bohol — with growing interest from international participants. The event also carries a social advocacy component, with proceeds supporting the Ati Tribe Community in Naga City, Cebu. The funds aim to provide basic needs and build a stronger, more spacious classroom for the community’s youth.

Logistics are also in place for convenience and safety. Participants can park at Cebu IT Park, with one-way transport provided post-race by Tops management. Medical assistance and hydration stations will be positioned throughout the route.

In preparation for the event, training runs with official pacers — organized by the Guild of Runners, led by Jon Dinopol—will begin on May 4. These sessions aim to foster a culture of sunrise running and help participants strategize their pace and endurance for the uphill terrain.

Organized by KNC Entertainment, Unilab, Tops, Coco Running and the Guild of Runners, the Run to Tops marks a new chapter for Cebu’s growing running community. While the challenge lies in the steep ascent, the event reminds runners that reaching the summit is just as much about the journey as the view.