Naga City to host two triathlon races

CEBU, Philippines — The city of Naga will host two triathlon events in one day in the Sun Life 5i50 and the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint slated on April 28 at the city’s Boardwalk area.

 The 5i50 action is a standard international distance race consists of 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.

Sunrise Event’s General Manager Princess Galura said they have already tested the waters for the swim course and it has passed the Ironman standards.

The bike route is still being finalized at the moment, but if things don’t miscarry, it’s going to be quite challenging as from the City Hall of Naga, the turn-around will be at Starmall in Talisay City passing through Minglanilla.

 Mayor Kristine Chiong has expressed excitement over the hosting of the event as it will be a good opportunity for them to promote Naga.

 “It is part of our vision to have a vibrant community. This is a good opportunity for us to promote the City and our facilities,” said Chiong in a press conference yesterday at City Hall of Naga.

 The event will have both the individual and relay events. The individual battle will have the pro, Asian Elite and age-groups.

Elite athletes including Australians Sam Betten, Mitch Robins and Dan Brown and Guam’s Manami Iijima have already expressed their interest to join.

 Multi-titled August Benedicto will banner the Asian elite division.

Since this is SunLife-presented event, celebrity ambassadors, father-and-son Piolo and Inigo Pascual will be out to spice up the event along with other celebrity athletes in Matteo Guidecilli, Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca and Enchong Dee.

Meanwhile, the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint features a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run.

 The sprint action is more ideal to the newbies.

 Members of the national triathlon team and its pool of talents are expected to join this event with Go For Gold also helping them out in their training and exposure tournaments even as it will also be done at the same time with another TRAP-organized event.

Both the Sun Life 5i50 and the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint is open to triathletes 15 years-old and above.

Mayor Chiong also announced that they will be sponsoring 10 athletes from Naga.

The Cebu Provincial Government who was represented by Board Member Miguel Magpale expressed their full support to the event as it also promotes other areas in the Cebu Province.