20 Japanese triathletes to join in Camotes race

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 20 Japanese triathletes will frontline the "Captivating Camotes Triathlon" on February 10 from Santiago Bay to Danao Lake Nature Park in San Francisco, Camotes Island.

The event is spearheaded by Cebu Fifth District Rep. Red Durano and former Danao City councilor Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, Jr.

“We want to promote Camotes Island as an alternative tourism destination and we welcome every chance we get to do it. Triathlon is only one and is a good exposure for the international market,” the Cebuano solon said.

The Japanese nationals wanted to explore Cebu further after seeing action in last year’s Ironman Philippines at Shangri-la Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu’s seasoned and fast-rising triathletes are also expected to join the race spread in different age categories and two distances.

The first 20 local triathletes to register will be given free accommodation and boat fare.

Registration fee is pegged at P500 inclusive of a swim cap, finisher's t-shirt, medal, certificate and lunch during the awarding ceremony. Entry forms are available at Runnr in Ayala Center-Cebu and at Rudy Project in SM and Ayala.

The top three performers in the middle distance will get cash prizes, while the fourth to 10th placers will receive a Japan-made tri-suit courtesy of Goodwill Tours Limited of Japan.

The overall champion in the standard distance will get a Rudy Project watch. The second placer will take home a Rudy Project sunglasses and the third a Rudy Project bag.

All finishers will get a souvenir t-shirt, medals and certificates, while Ironman items will be raffled off during the awarding ceremony of the event that is also being supported by acting Governor Agnes Magpale, Congressman Ramon “Red” Durano VI, Provincial Board Members Miguel Magpale, Jude Durano Sybico and Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca, San Francisco Mayor Ali Arquillano, Goodwill Tours Limited of Japan, Mario Lua of Jomalia Shipping and Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort, Jens Funk of Rudy Project and Jay Aldeguer of Island Souvenir.  (FREEMAN)