Big time triathlon event returns to Bohol today
PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL — For the first time in five years, big time triathlon action returns to this paradise island with the staging of the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint this morning at the post Bellevue Resort here.
“Bohol has proven its worth as a top triathlon hub through its successful staging before the global health crisis. This edition will again put into focus the province’s knack for holding such multi-sport events,” said Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, himself a participant of the blue-ribbon event organized by Ironman Group/Sunrise Events, Inc.
The last time Bohol hosted a tri-sport spectacle of such magnitude was way back in 2017.
“After five years, ngayon lang kami nakabalik dito,” said Sunrise Events, Inc. CEO Princess Galura during a press conference at The Pavillion of Bellevue yesterday. “It’s the first 5150 event in the region. It’s something that we should be proud of kasi tayo pa lamang ang nakagawa nito sa buong bansa.We decided to do it here because Bohol is a perfect starter race after the pandemic.
“Holding this event entails so much hard work and we thank all those concerned for their cooperation and allout support to guarantee a smooth and safe conduct of the event which will also showcase the continued growth of the sport,” Galura furthered. “The health and safety of our community are our utmost priority, so we will make sure to put in place all necessary steps to ensure a smooth staging of both races.”
A large contingent from Cebu that includes Cebu City Councilor Jerry L. Guardo, his wife Sambag 1 barangay captain Aileen Guardo, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President Jessica Resch are among those seeing action in the lung-busting race that starts with a 1.5km open water swim, followed by a punishing 40km bike leg before winding up with a 10k run.
In all, the first major sports event in Bohol since the outbreak of the global pandemic over two years ago has attracted over 600 participants scattered in various age-group categories, from the youngest (15-19) to the senior side (60-65).
“Over the years, we have been committed to promote health and wellness,” said Sun Life Marketing Officer Carla Gonzales-Chong. “Sun Life looks forward to doing more. With the pandemic increasing everyone’s interest to protect their health, we are ready to be their partner in achieving this goal.”
The twin events also features the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint with a short distance of 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run for beginnerswantingtoimmersethemselvesinto the bigger and much tougher triathlon stage.
“It’s very important to continue the development of our young athletes for this could be their gateway to make it big in the sport of triathlon someday,” said Go for Gold PH founder Jeremy Go.
The 5150 Bohol Triathlon also provides an opportunity for triathletes to further toughen up, gauge their competitive level, and reach peak form in time for the 70.3 Ironman slated on August 7 in LapuLapu City, Cebu.