Fun Facts about All Women Ultra Marathon (AWUM) of Cebu City

Photocredit - AWUM Page

All Women Ultra Marathon in Cebu City otherwise known as AWUM  is gaining its popularity among Juana ultra runners all over the archipelago. It became a "must-attend-to" event each year and every one is buzzing about it.
I joined the AWUM 5th edition  last March 12-13, 2016. My first and definitely won't be my last - the experience was all worth it. I have participated other marathons but this is unrivaled. Why? There's so much pampering and attention, I know, every Juana will love it!

My reasons for making AWUM on top of all the marathon list:

1. All Girls Event 

Unlike other ultra event, AWUM is designed strictly for FEMALE RUNNERS ONLY. A 50km long distance run for the "Juana-run-addicts", which gunstarts at 10:00 o'clock in the evening with a cut off time at 10:00 o'clock the following morning. Organizers, in cooperation with LGU of Cebu City, made a mark on this concept. Since the 1st AWUM edition, yearly registration has been jam packed with running ethusiasts that they have to device a selection process since slots are limited.

2. Lipstick ON, before the finish line

On the 35th kilometer mark (if my memory serves me right), runners are halted for the LIPSTICK wearing. There are varieties of lip color to choose from, of course with the assistance of the kind organizers, pick one put it on and you're good to go! This station gives a "note to self" that you have to finish the race strong and poised... with lipstick on!

3. Rose for Juana

Two (2) kilometers more or less away from finishline, runners will pass a station that give one (1) long stemmed, red rose each and you have to bring that rose until you reached the finishline. One of a kind- it happens only in AWUM. Classic it may sound that flower makes a woman feel special, well, this gimmick works, AWUM is winning the heart of every Juana-run-addict in the country.

4. Hydration Stations - Plus service 

The water stations are just a stretch away, from one station to the other. Candies, chocolates of all sort, banana, boiled eggs, gatorade, soda drinks and the like are all laid in the table like a feast. Pick and eat what you want or bring some - your choice. Plus service - I'm referring to the massage sessions they offer with an ointment of your choice. I tell you, after the massage, you will go back to the road with a big smile and good sigh of relief.

5. Too Much Pampering

I love the attention and I'm sure you too would love it. The pampering was overwhelming that makes it outstanding than the rest of the events.  The Organizers, the City and the people of Cebu were prepared well for this event, from traffic enforcers that controls the car flow to give way to the runners and race marshalls  that would check the roadrunners from time to time, you would really feel safe and taken cared of.

6. Professional Photographers are Everywhere!

Smile here and there as cameras are all over. Professional photographers of Cebu join forces to get that picture perfect moment of the runners.  You don't have to worry if you don't have a camera with you. It is taken care of. Photos taken during the race are posted in the AWUM page - all you have to do is check and grab.

Nota Bene:

In sum, the hospitality of Cebuanos makes the experience superb.  Road runners after the race would gladly say "Looking forward for the next AWUM, awooaa!".

See you AWUMers this 2019!