I saw the writing on the wall:
the compromised training from erratic weekly weather, thus only reaching a 21-k distance threshold which means my body has not yet readapted to the specific muscular and fueling demands of the final kilometers of the marathon (I had my last marathon 1.5 years ago!);
my stubbed left pinky toe with localized edema which lasted for almost three weeks and left me laid up for several days;
and catching the flu after getting soaked during my long slow distance (LSD) run, just a week before leaving for Cebu.
These factors undermined self-assurance and had me contemplating seriously whether I'd push through with my 13th marathon. Yes, it's 13th! Would I actually finish the race, or call it quits? Would it be a waste of groundwork? Could this be the perfect curtain call for my marathon days? Trying to predict my JMIM 2026 results just gave me a sudden case of triskaidekaphobia: the irrational fear of the number 13. *gasps*
Admittedly I was resigned to defeat, but deep down it was a hard 'no' especially when I thought of my husband's permission that has become difficult to secure due to my health issues...
... and the "official" use of his surprise runner’s essential which he has ignored for years even though he knows it matters to me. Hahahahaha!
Having presented this brief overture, I have shown you that from the very beginning Jpark Mactan International Marathon (JMIM) 2026 is meant for this page when my second trip to Cebu City went ahead on October 9, Friday.
PAL's arrival at Mactan International Airport was still on time despite a one-hour delayed departure from Manila. I didn't avail of the airport transport service of my accommodation in Lapu-Lapu City since Grab was readily and easily booked. It took us around 29 mins to reach Cube Nine Resort and Spa my three-day accommodation, before 10:00am. (I’ve got a lot more to say about this "home," but that’s for another day!) I was early for the resort's standard check-in time at 3:00pm, and I had my itinerary revision right away upon reaching Mactan Island. Friday's solo walking tour was scrapped due to a lack of nearby attractions. Thus, after eating a small bite of my late complimentary plated breakfast, I availed of Cube Nine's free shuttle ride at noon and decided to pick up my race kit at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark which was just a five-minute trip.
I didn't linger at the Triton Grand Ballroom after getting my event packet and free packed carbo-loading meal. I decided to go back to the resort after 45 minutes since my cough and colds were already giving me a headache. At that point, my only desire was to collapse, rest, and feel better. To add rain clouds were already forming.
Calling the front desk officer to request for pick-up which now charges Php 200/trip beyond 12:15pm, I went back to Cube Nine. My return was timely with the onset of a slight drizzle.
Fortunately it was the element that awakened my palate.
At 2:30pm I had my advance room access.
Woohoo! My room immediately looked like a safe restful sanctuary at first glance! It was the kind of personalized refuge I would love staying in before and after marathons.
Opting to retreat in my room for the remainder of the day, I spent the next three hours trying to nap. Ultimately, I think I succeeded in getting some sleep. Then, I settled upon a pre-marathon massage instead of a post-marathon. I booked a two-hour massage at 6:00 PM and was fortunate to have a therapist, whose expertise and skills significantly improved my physical condition for Sunday's October 11 race. (Aside: More on my masseuse coming in a future piece!)
From here, let me share the full story behind my journey to this first-ever international marathon on Mactan Island and the second inaugural marathon which I joined after Bukidnon International Marathon (BIM) 2025.
At 11:30pm on Saturday, October 10, I took a shuttle van to the international marathon venue at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark. I was the lone Filipino among the seven runners on board. The other six were Korean. However, I didn't think to check if they were also competing in the 42-k category.
With the remaining 25 minutes before gun start, I just stayed with several fellow participants at the sideline and did some light stretching. As soon as they made the final call for the marathon, I made my way to the starting line.
Gripping my water and blood pressure pill in hand, I watched the clock count down the final ten seconds. The 12:00am flag-off is my schedule in taking the first medicine for the day during marathons. You see, my cardiologist strictly instructed me never to go for a run until I have taken both my heart medication and my anti-vertigo medicine. So, imagine converting my running belt into a mini-med kit for the entire 42-km route.!!! LOL. Oh, I almost forgot. I also had my muscular pain cream and Panadol extra for physical pains. Whoa!
Start slow, Mau. Stick to your walk-run intervals. Your body, your boss. I repeated this mental script as I crossed the starting line alongside more than 300 other runners. The moment fireworks illuminated the midnight sky, the energy around us instantly spiked.
The first two hours of the marathon felt surprisingly easy and completely normal. My legs moved with a smooth, steady rhythm and my breathing stayed calm.
In fact I could have carried a long conversation had I run with a friend (Hey! I saw one of my early running buddies at JMIM. Hohoho!). Furthermore, my chesty cough rarely flared up and my congestion cleared. I offered a silent prayer of thanks and managed to flash a smile for a selfie while running on the narrow and bottlenecked road of M.L. Quezon National Highway that passes through Barangay Maribago in Lapu-Lapu City. A quick glance at my watch confirmed I was right on training pace and hoped that I'd maintain it all throughout the race.
Heading north toward the Punta Engaño peninsula I noticed that the roads even narrowed down. With the ongoing roadwork, I had to take short, careful steps to avoid all the broken asphalt, scattered pebbles and bumpy ground. Every step felt dangerous especially in areas where the streetlights were not enough. Likewise I had to watch out for vehicles of all sizes on the course. My husband's whispered mantra — safety first, safety first, safety first — timed itself perfectly to my running stride. Thankfully, race marshals and local policemen stood along the route and directed the traffic. They were a big help for me especially the PNP personnel. Why? Their presence made me feel protected because the course ran right through bars and outdoor drinking zones. I actually had to brake at one point just to avoid a guy who was severely intoxicated and being carried along by his buddies. I found this scene a little amusing because it perfectly captured real friendship -- in good times and in drunk times (Sing to the tune of "That's What Friends Are For"...) *echoing e-laughs*
Now, coupled with JMIM's efficient course security and deployment, the organizers — Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark and Bohol International Marathon — provided exceptional Cebuano hospitality. Imagine providing a mukbang hydration station, filled with hefty local and Japanese dishes at an interval of every 2 kilometers along the marathon route? *jaw drops* I was at a fiesta! May nag-Sharon pa nga ng lechon! *eye rolls*
For my part Cebu lechon (roasted pig), pinaypay na saging (fried saba banana fritters), grapes, rock salt, and lots of water did wonders to me for I still covered the target 30kms in five hours in spite of the weakness in my legs and heavy feeling in my quadriceps muscles. Of course, I had to regularly be sprayed on with cooling mint and menthol by volunteers after consuming the muscle pain cream from my "mobile pharmacy." Doing simple mathematics, I figured that I could cover the 4 - 5km/hr and finish the remaining distance within three hours. And if my body finds that second wind to push the pace more, I might finally beat the personal best I set at the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. However, JMIM had another plan.
With only 10 kms left, a sudden, tingling sensation shot through my head. As a runner who's hypertensive, this symptom made me alert. I immediately stopped my power walk and slowed down to a normal walk. Then, I massaged my head. The strange prickling lasted for almost 25 mins. But, I kept calm. I knew my body well enough to tell that it was not a stroke. I was not out of breath and I didn't feel any nape pain or other medical red flags. For peace of mind, I stopped at the side of the road and googled about what I was experiencing. I sighed heavily upon reading that poor sleep was likely the root cause. Thus, shortening my distance from the finish line resumed while the morning sun broke through.
It's an existing fact that I would always be near the very back of the pack. That time after the head-tingling episode, I was likely one of the last ten people on the course. Even so, I pushed and endured.
Crossing the finish line at 07:22:22, I had to admit Marathon #13 was never about superstitions but a grueling testament to determination after battling broken
roads, weak legs, coughs, colds, and a head scare. Indisputably, Jpark Mactan International Marathon (JMIM) 2026 was another humbling lesson in survival, reminding me that there is nothing quite like the simple victory of finishing on my own two feet.
JMIM 2026, you are now officially in the books!
Photo credits:
3 Brothers Photography
CDN Digital
Fokus
Glenn Giuseppe
JMIM 2026 Facebook Official Page
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