Running the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)

The CCLEX is an 8.9 kilometer toll bridge express way in Metro Cebu, Philippines. It connects the mainland of Cebu with Mactan island. It is the longest sea crossing bridge in the Philippines, and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the Philippines. It was completed in April 2022.

I don't remember how I got the idea in my head, but running the CCLEX was a goal of mine, since the start of the planning of my 4 month trip to SE Asia.

After watching a few YouTube videos and skimming a few Cebu websites that provided some information about the bridge, I knew that running across the bridge, at least in one direction, had to be on my list of things to do while visiting family in Cebu.

Once I was in the Philippines, I mentioned my plan to some running friends who were also planning on being in the area around the same time. One of them actually did the run a few weeks before I did, using some of my intel, then enriching it with their experience. When I finally did the run mid-June, I felt extra prepared thanks to them, and I feel pretty good about the resulting run. If you are planning on running the CCLEX, this article covers a few things you need to know.

Best Time to Run the CCLEX

The average daytime temperature in Cebu is hot. Lows stay in the mid-twenties (that's the mid to high-seventies in freedom units) and tend to max out at the low-thirties (almost ninety Fahrenheit). Average humidity is also high at 76%. In short, Cebu stays hot all year round.

As such, the best time to run the CCLEX is right when it opens to pedestrians, at 5am. Especially if you plan to run it out and back.

I started my run at 5:30am, a bit later than I should have. But I was saved from being burnt to a crisp by some cloud cover that stuck around until 8am.

The pedestrian and bike lanes are open from 5 am until 3:30 pm, though I doubt anyone walks or even bikes across the bridge after mid morning, unless they absolutely have to and are willing to risk exposure to direct sun the entire length of the bridge. There is no shade from the sun (or rain) at all.

CCLEX Pedestrian Starting Location

It is most common to begin a crossing of the CCLEX on its north end, near SM Seaside City Cebu, the largest mall in Cebu. When I first told my friend about the run, I directed them to a start point described by another article that we'd both read, near the South Road Properties Welcome Hill Tower. This start location is incorrect and actually impossible to get to. If you get dropped off, it seems to be common to aim for the SM Seaside City - Seaview Wing. It's a safe spot for your Grab to pull over. This is also a good spot to end your run as it is shaded and there are spots to stretch and relax. This location will appear in the Grab pick-up locations if you search for it.

When I arrived there were already many people walking to the guard booth to begin their crossing of the CCLEX. From the drop off at SM Seaside, you do have to cross multiple lanes of traffic, without a crosswalk. Do this with care.

If you drive, there is a parking lot to the South West of SM Seaside. You can park for free and begin your run there.

You'll know if you are in the right place if you see the giant cube and SM Seaside City sign near the start point. You can't miss them.

What is it Like to Run the CCLEX?

Here's an approximate recount of my out and back run of the CCLEX in Cebu City, on a Sunday.

05:20 - Arrived at the SM Seaside City. Carefully cross the street towards the water. There was a decent amount of traffic this early in the morning.

05:22 - Follow the other runners / walkers to the start of the bridge, where the blue guard booth is.

05:27 - Arrived at the blue guard booth and checked in. They ask everyone for their name, address ( most seemed to put "Cebu" so I did the same ) and age. I was definitely the oldest on the list.

A side note - They ask everyone to check in for safety reasons - I saw a guard at each end in the same uniform, tracking pedestrians come off the bridge. It was nice to see, especially with the heat risk and other bridge safety concerns.

Most of the people I saw crossing the bridge were definitely younger than me, mostly mid twenties and younger by my estimate. I have heard that there is a bit of a running boom amongst the younger generations in Cebu.

05:28 - run the bridge.

The incline to the elevated bridge deck starts around 1 km after the guard shack, the peak of the bridge is around 2 km, then you descend to the flat at around 3km. After that it's about 5km of flat to get the the first chance you have to turn around.

Along the way, expect to pass walkers, and probably to be passed by other runners. The pedestrian walk way is only 1.5 m wide. A polite "excuse me" will get you past any walkers. Cyclists share the pathway as well, so keep an ear out for them coming up behind you. They will signal their presence by the creak of their crank, an "excuse me" or, as I was surprised to experience, a clever recording being played back on a loud speaker of "Bike lane! Excuse me!" over and over again.

Minor note: watch for some of these plants with seed pods that have barbs on them. They'll stick to your socks/shoes and can annoyingly poke you.

Enjoy the views as the sun rises.

06:33 - the half way point. You'll get to the only point where the CCLEX road and path is crossed by another road, and that's the turnaround point. If you continue on your path and cross the road, you'll see a line of little road side vendors selling drinks and snacks. I went to the right to a little sari-sari store to refill my bottles and bladder. If you continue to the left, there is a 24-hour Jollibee, if your nutrition plan includes fried chicken and french fries. Or if you wish to use the washroom. It's probably the best toilet option in the immediate area.

06: 40 - After refilling my bottles and water bladder, I crossed the street towards the Jollibee and checked in to the guard booth to head back across the CCLEX to return to Cebu.

At this point I was super happy the sun was not yet out in full force, being kept at bay by the cloud cover. It had also rained in the early morning so the ambient temperature was about two degrees cooler than usual. If I had started any later, the sun would have already been up enough to make this a totally different run.

My original plan was to only run from Cebu to Mactan since at the moment I am pretty confident with a 6-7 km distance and 9 km seemed like an easy stretch, with the 18 km out and back a little intimidating, especially with the heat I'd been experiencing days prior. But from the intel gathered from my friend who had run the CCLEX weeks prior, I understood the views of the city were gorgeous, and worth the return run. So I knew I had to do it. And yes, the views of Cebu City and the hills behind it were totally worth it.

Preparing to Run the CCLEX

There are a few things to note if you wish to cross the CCLEX.

• No dogs
• No flip flops / slippers (I have heard of people being turned back for this)
• No small wheeled vehicles like scooters
• One way only - no turning back once you've started
• No umbrellas

Knowing that I sweat a lot, and often have to ward off cramping when I near half-marathon distance, I planned to carry water and nutrition for each leg. My vest held 1.5 L of water plus 500 mL of electrolytes each way, and I had a pack of gummies that helped me finish without feeling like I was dying. And as I stated before, this distance is one I'm not usually doing, so I wore shoes my feet were familiar with. Anticipating the heat, I wore my lightest hat, a tank top, and comfy socks. If you're an experienced runner, you'll know what to wear. Expect it to be hot out there.

I'm really glad to have checked this run off during my visit to Cebu! If you have any questions, please do feel free to message me, and feel free to follow me on Strava. Until next time!