What began as a running event in 2024 has grown into a gathering of thousands of runners, with Dagan Cebu expecting more than 6,000 participants for its third consecutive edition on Nov. 29.
Organized by KNC Entertainment Production, Dagan Cebu 2026 will bring runners to Gatewalk Central in Mandaue City for four distances, including 6K, 12K, 16K and 21K.
Organizers have announced that registration has officially closed, with 6,400 runners securing slots across the categories.
For Kathyleen Javier, founder and owner of KNC Entertainment Production, the event is about more than completing a race.
It is also an opportunity to build a stronger running community in Cebu and encourage people, regardless of age or fitness level, to embrace an active lifestyle.
“Dagan Cebu was established to promote an active and healthy lifestyle while bringing people together through running,” Javier said.
She said the event has continued to develop since its first staging in 2024 through improvements in the race experience, stronger partnerships and wider participation from different cities and communities across Cebu.
That community-building effort extends beyond race day. Throughout October, KNC organized free community training runs every weekend in partnership with running clubs it has worked with for nearly three years.
The sessions were held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu City and Mandaue City, welcoming beginners, experienced runners and those who simply wanted to stay active.
Four running groups recorded a combined 820 participants, based on figures provided by Javier.
Mandaue Runners Group had the largest turnout at 400, followed by Island Runners Group and Guild of Runners with 150 participants each, and RWP Cebu with 120.
Javier said the community runs are intended to make running more accessible and connect people who may have different levels of experience, ages and running paces.
“Our message is simple: Running has no age, and you don’t have to be an athlete to be a runner. We run as one,” she said.
This year’s event will also feature the 21K half marathon in Mandaue, giving participants an opportunity to test their endurance, discipline and preparation while showcasing the city as part of Cebu’s growing sports community.
KNC is working with the Mandaue City Sports Office, represented in the preparations by Olympian marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, whom organizers have invited to deliver the opening remarks and take part in the 21K gun-start ceremony.
Preparations also involve coordination with the Mandaue City Government and concerned agencies on traffic management, road safety, route marshals, hydration stations and medical assistance.
Javier said the safety and welfare of participants remain among the organizers’ priorities, noting that a race of this scale requires cooperation among offices responsible for sports, traffic management, public safety and emergency response.
The event will recognize the top three finishers in the designated male and female competitive categories.
Organizers are also preparing raffle prizes, although the specific items have not yet been disclosed.
Registration fees were P699 for 6K, P899 for 12K, P1,099 for 16K and P1,299 for 21K.
Each registered runner will receive an event shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal, post-race meal, raffle entry and access to hydration stations.
Those completing the 12K, 16K and 21K categories will also receive exclusive finisher’s shirts.
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