They didn't set out to become one of Cebu's most inspiring running groups. They just needed a team name to register for a race.
In late 2023, a group of friends signed up for the Megawear Run — and the event required group registration. The incentive: a free banner and cap. That was enough to make it official. They called themselves the Fleet Runners of Cebu, gathered slowly in the weeks before November, and ran together for the first time.
Two years later, they've raced in Singapore, marched in the Parade of Nations at the New York City Marathon, organized earthquake relief for North Cebu, and are about to send members into a 50-kilometer ultramarathon in the mountains. Not bad for a group that started for a free banner.
Their Motto Says It All
"Here, PRs don't matter — people do. It's not about finishing first, but about finishing fresh and enjoying every stride along the way. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, you'll always find encouragement, laughter, and family in our runs. Join us, run with heart, and cross every finish line — fresh and fulfilled."
That's not just a tagline on a poster. It's how they actually operate. The Fleet Runners have beginners and ultramarathoners in the same group. Some members are podium finishers. Others are there for the company and the post-run breakfast. Nobody gets left behind — and if someone needs support on a long race, there's a whole crew handling logistics behind the scenes.
Singapore: When They Took It International
On December 13, 2025, nine members of the Fleet Runners boarded a flight to Singapore. Their destination: the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon — one of Asia's most prestigious road races.
For a group that formed two years earlier over a free cap, showing up at an international marathon is a statement. They didn't just participate — they represented Cebu on a global race course, side by side, the way they always run.
Imee at the New York City Marathon
If Singapore was a statement, what Imee did in October 2025 was something else entirely.
On October 31, 2025, Imelda Cañete Alfar — Fleet's travel and runcation director, international runner, and the person the group calls their vitamin supplier — walked into Central Park as one of over 2,000 runners from around the globe. She was there for the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony, representing the Philippines in the Parade of Nations.
The whole group rallied behind her online, asking the community to drop well wishes and show their support. That's Fleet Runners in one moment: one of them does something remarkable, and all of them show up for it.
Beyond Running: The North Cebu Earthquake Mission
In October 2025, an earthquake struck North Cebu. Fleet Runners didn't just post about it.
They organized a donation drive alongside the broader Cebu running community — collecting cash donations and relief goods and delivering them to those affected. Alongside groups like CebuMountainGoats, CrazyRunnersCebu, MandaueRunnersGroup, and more than a dozen others, they showed what the Cebu running community looks like when it moves together off the road.
When it was done, they wrote: "Once again, we've proven that our strength goes beyond endurance — it's the strength of compassion and unity. For Cebu, by Cebu — we run and give as one."
What's Next: Bandit Ultramarathon North Edition 2026
Some members of the Fleet Runners are lining up for the Bandit Ultramarathon North Edition 2026 — a 50-kilometer trail race that will test even the most seasoned runners.
But here's what sets Fleet Runners apart: the members not racing aren't staying home. They're the support crew. Cars positioned along the route. Supplies packed. Emergency plan ready. The runners who cross that finish line will do it knowing their entire team is somewhere on that road, waiting for them.
Most running groups share race registrations in a group chat. Fleet Runners deploys a ground operation.
Meet the Fleet
Every member of the Fleet Runners of Cebu is a different kind of runner. Here they are.
Jerome
President
The one who keeps the group running — on and off the road. Future konsehal. GCash always ready.
Jett
CEO & Founder · Trail Runner
The one who started it all. If there's a trail, Jett has probably already run it.
Noel
MVP · Official Shirt Designer · Duathlete
The MVP who also designed the kit everyone is wearing. Runs, bikes, and makes it look good doing both.
Elsie
Podium Placer · Fleet Vlogger · Road Manager
Podium finisher, group vlogger, and one half of Fleet's favorite power couple alongside Berdie. She documents everything — and wins races while doing it.
Berdie
Road Manager · Secret Golfer & Pickleball Player
Keeps everything moving on race day alongside Elsie. Also quietly plays golf and pickleball when nobody's watching.
Ruth
Zumba Queen
The one bringing the energy before the gun goes off. You will hear her before you see her.
Imee
International Runner · Travel & Runcation Director
The one who marched in the Parade of Nations at the 2025 NYC Marathon representing the Philippines. Trail runner, vitamin supplier for the whole group, and the reason Fleet Runners goes places most running groups only dream about.
Eardvey
42K Marathoner · Furmom · Aerial Yoga
Runs full marathons without worrying about it. Goes home to her fur babies. Also does aerial yoga, because apparently one discipline is never enough.
Joer
Ultramarathoner · Ultra Trail Runner · Madam VIP
Finishes fresh. Runs ultras. Runs trails. Does all of it with a VIP energy that you cannot teach.
Joseph
Road Runner of the Year
Energetic feet, road runner energy, every single time. This one doesn't slow down.
Junneil
Duathlon Icon · Fleet Pacer
The one keeping everyone on pace. Runs, bikes, and probably knows your target time better than you do.
Mariam Jan
Calm Runner · Girl Scouts Philippines
Madam peaceful. Runs calmly, lives fully. Girl Scouts of the Philippines member and one of the most trusted people in the Fleet.
Alma
Gian
Gel
Nancy
Raymond
Sheril
Also part of the Fleet family: Raine (short distance podium placer, super mom, engineer boss), Cheebee (US representative, Fleet PAGASA weather reporter, international runner), Cath (secretly fast, glowing, K-pop runner), Cera (21K chill runner and medtech), Karen (secret training agent and the one behind every great race photo), Jocelyn (math whiz teacher and dancerous), Maureen (glow-up runner, engineer in her running era), Rhona (perseverance runner and happy feet dancer), and Mhahal (new gen tourist guide, planner, Fleet's newest secretary).
Find the Fleet Runners on RunMate
The Fleet Runners of Cebu are already on RunMate. Their group is called The Fleet Runners of Cebu. You can find members logging their races, building their medal walls, and tracking their running history on the RunMate runners page.
If you run in Cebu and you're looking for a group that takes the sport seriously while keeping the fun intact — this is the one. Create your free RunMate profile and start building a race history worth looking back on. Your medals deserve more than a drawer.
And check the RunMate events page for the races Fleet Runners are training for right now — including the Bandit Ultramarathon North Edition 2026.
Norman
Founder, RunMate
Is Your Running Group Next?
RunMate is building the most complete home for Filipino running groups online. If your running group has a story worth telling — whether you've been running together for a month or a decade — we want to feature you.
Reach out to the RunMate community and tell us about your group. The only requirement is that you run together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fleet Runners of Cebu
Who are the Fleet Runners of Cebu?
Fleet Runners of Cebu is a running group established in November 2023 in Cebu City, Philippines. Founded to participate in the Megawear Run, the group has grown into one of Cebu's most active running communities — with members who have competed in Singapore, marched in the NYC Marathon Parade of Nations, and are taking on 50K ultramarathons.
How do I join a running group in Cebu?
Most running groups in Cebu recruit through Facebook and through races. Following groups like Fleet Runners of Cebu on Facebook is a good start. You can also find Filipino runners and running groups on RunMate — create a free profile at runmateapp.com and connect with the local running community.
What races have the Fleet Runners of Cebu competed in?
Fleet Runners have competed across Cebu and internationally. Highlights include the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon in December 2025, the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony where member Imee represented the Philippines in the Parade of Nations, and the Bandit Ultramarathon North Edition 2026 (50K).
How can my running group get featured on RunMate?
RunMate features Filipino running groups with a story worth sharing. Reach out through the RunMate community and tell us about your group — who you are, where you run, and what makes your crew special. Features are free.
Where can I find running groups in Cebu?
Running groups in Cebu are active on Facebook — search for groups like Fleet Runners of Cebu, CrazyRunnersCebu, MandaueRunnersGroup, and many others. You can also find Filipino runners on RunMate's runners page at runmateapp.com/runners and connect with the local community.
