MARIVELES, Bataan – More than 300 athletes from 16 countries participated in Luzon’s first 5150 triathlon that featured the Olympic-distance format of a 1.5KM swim, 40KM bike and 10KM run held at the Freeport Area of Bataan here Sunday.
Erik Esperanzate of Mariveles emerged as the overall champion with a 2:53:41 finish.
Triathletes from around the Philippines and abroad like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States and other European countries joined the first global endurance race.
It was organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and sponsored by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan under the leadership of Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman.
The swim leg started at the FAB’s port area, followed by the 40KM cycling route and ended with a 10KM run.
The event also featured shorter distances for beginners like a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run.
“This is the last event on the triathlon na meron kami and the good thing about it , it is the only 5150 and the only one we have in Luzon this year,” Princess Galura, president of Sunrise Events said.
“This is the only one so far in the history of Sunrise Events with 5150 to have two transitions – meaning there is a B1 with swimming, then bike towards B2 (40KM bike) at doon na sila tatakbo,” she explained. .
“Ito ay first time naming gagawin. We told the athletes na kayo ay parang mga ironman kasi hindi madali ang two transitions. Thanks AFAB for hosting us, It takes a lot to host two transitions. It means the road will be closed for a long time,” Galura added.
Pangandaman said the event will showcase the natural resources of Bataan. Ma. Lourdes Herrera, AFAB deputy administrator for social services, said they were happy that the triathlon was held at the FAB.
“Hopefully sana may 2nd, 3rd pa. Unang preparation namin mga tao. Kapag ayos ang mga tao, everything follows,” Herrera said. (30)
