What It Takes to Run CCLEX – Forward and Back (And Why You Should Try It at Least Once)
- Lisa Sabala
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
So you’re thinking of running CCLEX?
Ambisyosa ka girl—but in a good way. Welcome to the club!
Running the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway is not just a flex. It’s an experience. Long, exhausting, breathtaking (literally and emotionally). But also safe, scenic, and very doable if you prepare well.
Before we get into the chika about running this bridge, here’s a quick background.
The Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) is the longest and tallest bridge in the Philippines, spanning about 8.9 kilometers and connecting Cebu City to the town of Cordova on Mactan Island. It was built to ease traffic congestion between the metro and Mactan, especially for people going to the airport or crossing between the two islands daily.
But aside from the cars and trucks, early mornings on the bridge are a different story. From 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM, the outer lane is open to runners, bikers, and walkers. And honestly? It has become one of my favorite long-run routes.
It’s smooth. It’s safe. It’s beautiful.
But let me warn you—it’s not for the faint of heart or the lazy of limbs. So if you’re planning to run it forward and back, here’s what you really need to know.
Here’s the essentials you need to know before you hit the bridge.
🚗 Parking: Your First Strategic Move
You’ve got two options:
Il Corso
McDonald’s Mambaling
I always park at McDo Mambaling. Why? Simple:
It’s open at 24/7. So if you arrive there at 4AM, you can already park.
The food places in Il Corso? Tulog pa.
Meanwhile, I’m sipping sikwate and mainit-ing my tummy with a light brekky before the long suffer fest. Trust me, a warm hashbrown before a cold run? Elite combo.
🚻 Comfort Rooms? Lol. Good Luck.
There. Are. None.
So please—do your business before you start.
Kung wala pa ka ka-CR, ayaw na lang sa. Or run fast enough to reach either end (Cebu or Cordova) where you’ll find fast food chains or gas stations.
Pro tip: skip the lactose and go low fiber the night before. Ayaw pagsalig sa imong tiyan.
🕔 Operating Hours
The bridge is open to runners, walkers, and bikers from 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Beyond that, it's cars-only.
Respect the window or risk getting kicked out (or worse—shamed by CCTV).
🛡️ Safety: Check
The CCLEX pedestrian path is separated from vehicle lanes by a solid cement barrier. No one’s getting run over here. Unless ma-slide ka sa own pawis, which is very possible if you forget hydration (see below).
📏 Distance & Elevation
Let’s get technical (because you need to know what you’re in for):
One way: ~8.9 KM
Roundtrip: ~17.8 KM
Elevation gain: ~80 meters (and it feels higher when your legs are screaming)
It’s long. It’s steady. It’s incline. No shade. No chika. Just you, the bridge, and your will to survive.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take? (Realistic Edition)
If you’re a 40-something mom like me, here’s what you can expect:
Run the whole thing: 1 hour one-way / 2 hours roundtrip
Walk only: 2 hours one-way / 4 hours roundtrip
Run-walk intervals: 1 hr 15 mins one-way / 2.5 hours roundtrip
If you're chasing a PR, this is not the place. But if you're chasing peace, strength, and sunrises—perfect spot.
🎧 Tita Tips: Music & Mindset
Bring TWO fully charged Bluetooth headphones.
Yes, two. Because the bridge is loooong, and by the halfway mark, your first pair might conk out.
Also, noise-canceling music helps when your legs start negotiating for early retirement. I recommend a playlist with:
pump-up songs (pang I-can-do-this)
calming instrumentals (pang I'm-about-to-cry)
and one random Taylor Swift song (pang recovery drama).
💧 Hydration is Not Optional
You can bring water with you—and you should.
Baon your hydration. Whether it’s a belt bottle or a handheld, ayaw kumpyansa.
It gets hot, especially after 7AM. Don’t wait until you’re dizzy to realize you should’ve taken a sip.
And yes, you will sweat like a goat. So replenish or regret.
🧭 Orientation: Only One Direction (Sorry, Harry)
Here’s how it works:
Cebu to Cordova: Stay on the right side (if you’re facing Cordova)
Cordova to Cebu: Also stay on the right side (if you’re facing Cebu)
So, no crisscrossing lanes. Ayaw'g suko kung badlongon. The marshals are only doing their job.
Stick to your side. Follow the rules. Respect the flow.
🚐 Plan B: Pa-rescue Mode
What if you reach Cordova and realize:
“I can’t make it back. I’d rather eat pan de sal than run another 8K.”
Don’t panic. You have options:
Ride a van or taxi from either side
Call a Maxim, Grab, or Angkas (Signal’s okay at both ends)
Or kung naa kay amiga nga online: “Bes, kuhaa ko beh. Dili na kaya.” 😂
Moral lesson: bring pamasahe just in case. Pride won’t get you home. A tricycle will.
🚨 Emergency Call Boxes: Bright. Orange. And Very Useful.
Along the pedestrian path, you’ll see orange-colored emergency call boxes spaced at regular intervals.
Easy to spot—same color as that blouse your ex wore katong nagbuwag mo mo (flashback not included).
But seriously, if you ever feel unsafe, dizzy, or need help, press the button. Help will come.
Let’s hope you never have to use them, but it’s good to know they’re there. Just like your loyal friend who never liked your ex in the first place.
🅿️ Parking: Don’t Skip This Part
❌ Can you park a car roadside? No. Leave it at McDo or Il Corso.
❌ Motorcycle? Yes—if you find space. But park at your own risk.
❌ Bicycle? Pwede, pero you’ll likely leave it near the sidewalk, unsupervised.
If your bike goes missing, well—exercise pa more... kay maglakaw naka pauli.
🙏 Final Thoughts: Why I Still Do It Anyway
It’s long. It’s sweaty. There’s no restroom. And you might question your life choices halfway through.
But it’s also safe, scenic, and empowering.
I’ve run the CCLEX forward and back multiple times—and each time, I walk away (or limp away) feeling stronger.
Stronger legs, stronger lungs, stronger faith in my ability to do hard things.
So yes, try it at least once.
And if you see a woman walking slowly while muttering “Ay tabang Lord,” that might be me.
Wave. Offer water. Or just nod respectfully.
We’re all warriors out here. 🏃♀️💪
Comments