Bohol International Marathon 2016: A Run in Paradise

There was palpable excitement right at the Alona Central Parking Area, the starting point as well as the finish line of this year’s Bohol International Marathon; The Paradise Run.

The atmosphere was very festive with all the colorful buntings and hypnotic and graceful moves of fire dancers who moved to the frenetic rhythm of the drumbeat and live instrumentation. The runners were a sight to behold as they joined the progressive cardio dance warm- up prior to hearing the sound of the start gun. 

Imagine running side by side with more than a thousand runners from 15 countries and from more than 30 different running clubs with the beautiful white sandy beaches and scenic island paradise of Panglao as the backdrop for the most anticipated international sporting spectacle in Bohol. Truly a run in paradise!

 Hydration galore everywhere for thirsty runners

Respected writer & events stylist Michael Yu, president of the Bohol Runners Club, the main organizers of the Bohol-based marathon that is on its fifth edition since it was launched in 2012 was very ecstatic with the huge success of the 2016 Bohol International Marathon-The Paradise Run!

Mr. Yu mentioned how their event partners, the hotels, resorts and corporate sponsors showcased and extended their unparalleled hospitality to participants, from the race kit claiming to the carbo-loading, and through the hydration, fruit, hotdog, barbecue, chocolate, water and lechon stations. Their gratitude extends to the support received from the local government, policemen, marshals, event suppliers and volunteers.

Twenty-four winners who were in the top three among the male & female runners competing in four race categories received not only cash prizes and medals but also bragging rights and wonderful memories from Bohol that would last a lifetime.

So successful was the event that some resorts in Panglao actually got fully booked. Preparations are now underway for the 2017 Bohol International Marathon-The Heritage Run that will take runners around Bohol’s famous and beautiful centuries-old churches, with the possibility of an ultra-marathon side event to take participants to several towns across Bohol on the same weekend.

freshly- opened coconut in glasses with ice! fruit galore!

Congratulations once again to the organizers and to everyone involved for putting Bohol not only in the tourism map but also in the sporting calendar map. Cheers!