All is set for 1st Cebu City Triathlon

CEBU, Philippines - The long wait is finally over as the Queen City of the South will have its own triathlon event dubbed as ‘Cebu City Triathlon’ on January 25 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The first Cebu City Triathlon features a sprint distance race in which beginners can participate.  The participants of this three-in-one event will have to deal with a 750m swim, 20 km bike and 5km run.

The swimming event of this open triathlon competition will be done in the CCSC swimming pool. Among the categories to be contested are men and women’s elite, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 40-44, 45-49 and 50-above.

“This is a very good opportunity to start in triathlon,” said Steve Maniquis of Cornerstone Group during the launching of the event yesterday at the Cebu Country Club.

There will be no kiddies division in this event, but they are allowing triathletes at least 15 years-old to join.

However, Maniquis said that if the event will be successful, they will be holding a separate event for kids, but only after holding triathlon clinics to selected schools and barangays as part of Cebu City Sports Commission’s grassroots development program.

"We envision this event to be one of the biggest sporting activities in Cebu City," said CCSC chairman Edward Hayco.

A total of P100,000 cash prizes is at stake for the top performers of the event which also serves as a post activities for Sinulog Festival.

"This is one of the highlight's of next year's Sinulog. We want the people to know that Sinulog is not only a festival of the arts, but also for sports. So this is definitely a high time for Cebu City to have this event," said Sinulog Foundation's executive Director Ricky Ballesteros.

Registration is now on-going at the Cebu City Sports Center, 30 Kitchen + Bar at The Gallery in Mabolo. One can also register online through www.cornerstone8080 event.com.

Entry fee is pegged at P2,500 inclusive of a race bag, belt, finisher's medal, finisher's shirt and visor.— Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)