Spotlight on women power in Bohol 5150

THE Sun Life 5150 Triathlon unwrapping on July 10 in Bohol won’t just be a clash of power, speed and endurance among the men of the multi-sport but also a showcase of grit and poise from the bidders in the distaff side.

Seventy-two fearless ladies are set to vie for top honors in nine age-group categories in their side of the duel in the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run held under an Olympic-style setup in one of the country’s top triathlon hubs at The Bellevue Resort on Panglao Island.

Twelve are competing in the relay all-female and 10 more in the relay mixed while 26 others, including beginners wanting to immerse themselves into the sport, are in the roster of the Sunrise Sprint.

Siblings Edna and Erna Agoo, along with Camille Arce, Patricia Belido, Janina Garcia and Isabel Piccio headline the field in the 30-34 division while Ilyn Andale, Joy Fernandez, Celeste Laquian, Angela Sangel and Megan Yu lead the 35-39 cast in the event, one of the great drivers of gender equality where women learn the values of teamwork, self-reliance and resilience.

Minimum health protocols will also be enforced, according to the organizing The Ironman Group/sunrise Events Inc.

Spicing up the title chase are five foreign entries, including United Kingdom’s Emily Miller (30-34) and Jo Cudmore (55-59), Japanese Kaoiri Dezaki (35-39) and Mayu Kohno (45-49) and Malaysia’s Noraziah Abd Manaf (40-44).

Bannering the 25-29 side are Anne Relova, Jessica Resch, Jam Gonzalez and Khimberly Paguibot while Jackie Reazon, Ma. Elena Santos, Diana Gellane and Jessiel Leonidas lead the chase in the 40-44 category of the event put up by Sun Life.