THE 5150 Dapitan Philippines will be quick with a fast race course in place but the heat factor can make or break one’s title bid, including the overall championship, when the inaugural endurance race is held this Sunday (Sept. 10) in Zamboanga del Norte.
Hosting the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40km bike and 10km run event for the first time, the host city has set up a course that provides the seasoned campaigners and upcoming bidders, including bets from 10 other countries, a new racing experience in pursuit of triathlon glory in various age-group categories.
“The race course is a fast one. The swim will be clear and easy to navigate, the bike leg is a 2-loop fast route with some hills at the far turnaround, and the run part will be two loops and very fast that would also take runners in historic areas,” said race director Neville Manaois.
He added that their meticulous planning ensures every athlete’s safety, enjoyment and a race course that is historic.
“It’s different from Subic since it’s less industrial and less busy. It’s a city course that passes through communities and offices. It will be fast like Bohol but Dapitan passes more in local communities, adding to the warmth and charm of the race,” said Manaois.
John Alcala leads the merry mix of bidders, both in the overall and in his age-group category (30-34), with the Dipolog City ace seeking to match his stirring triumph in the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan late last year.
He also won the 5150 Subic last June, making him the “hunted” among the talent-laden cast that includes former Bohol 5150 champion Satar Salem, former SEA Games gold medalist Fernando Casares, Andrew Remolino, a two-time SEA Games silver medal winner; Jailani Lamama and Jonathan Pagaura.
