Over 350 join Consolacion MTB Duathlon
Over 350 mountain bikers and runners are set to compete in a bigger second edition of the Consolacion Mountain Bike Duathlon at SM City Consolacion tomorrow.
“We have 351 participants compared to 298 last year. There has been an increase in participants,” said event organizer Alan Choachuy. “The purpose of this race is to let the mountain bike community get an international feel in the race.” The race will start with a five-kilometer run, followed by a 20-kilometer bike, and finally a three-kilometer run to the finish line. The event has nine divisions: Elite, 18-below, 1924, 25-29, 30-34, 40-44, 45-49 and 50-above. It’ll also have special divisions like the relay (open all male, all female and mixed) and the Fat Bike/ Pluz size category.
Special awards will be given to the biggest delegation, fastest 5K runner, coolest runner, and the fastest in both male and female age groups.
Choachuy assured that the participants’ safety is of utmost importance to them.
“Security and safety will be there. We have ERUF, CERT and then the HERO. We also have DOH for medical group,” he said.
The route this year is slightly different and is also friendly to newbie bikers.
“This year is less loose. No loose rocks. The middle part is a bit hard. The single track to the river crossing has no drops. It’s easier this year than last year. But there is a surprise near the exit,” said Fritz Co, one of the organizers. “It depends on the rider if they are beginners the difficulty is an eight, while for the expert it’s a three. We are beginner friendly.” The organizers along with the different sponsors officially opened the Duathlon Expo 2018 yesterday at the SM City Consolacion, displaying the different products and services from the event’s sponsors./