Akkaw Baler Cross Triathlon slated late August

MANILA, Philippines — The second staging of the Akkaw! Baler Cross Triathlongets is set on August 27 in Baler, Aurora.

 

Although Baler has made a name for itself as a top surfing destination in the country, when the surf’s out, the exotic locale has now shifted to triathlon in hopes of making this provincial capital a sports tourism destination.

 

“Akkaw” is a local word that expresses delight or surprise. 

 

According to race organizer Malou Escasa, “The ‘Akkaw Baler Cross Triathlon’ is a race that will get bigger over the next few years. We believe that aside from the scenic locales in Baler, the coarse is challenging for triathletes. Last year, we even included a hanging bridge as part of the run. Although this year, we had to take it out because it is undergoing repairs. It however, remains challenging.”

 

There are four categories for the triathlon – Elite Open, Non-Elite Age Groups, Locals, and Open Relay.  The race course, as designed by Philippine triathlon national team coach Melvin Fausto takes them through a scenic swim-bike-run route from Sabang Beach to Labasin Street and Barangay Sabang. 

 

Fausto will be assisted by Andy Manalo, Pedic Uychoco, Kat Fausto and Peydut Gutierrez.

 

The 750-meter swim race starts off on the shores Sabang Beach after which the challenging 38-k bike race takes athletes from the beachfront to rice fields, grasslands, and rocky trails. The 6-kilometer run offers a variety of surfaces from the beach to the concrete roads and back to the finish line at Sabang.

 

Added Escasa, “After the Akkaw Baler Cross Triathlon, the surfing season that takes place from September to February will take center stage. But now, it’s time for a different sport.”

 

Early bird registration is pegged at Php1,500 with regular registration at Php2,000 and a late entry fee of Php2,500.

 

For contact information for the race, please call or text at +63.927.9617337 (Globe) or +63.908.3003300 (Smart) or email [email protected].