INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Some 70 swimmers are expected at the starting line when the Olango Challenge open-water swimming marathon fires off on April 24 at the Tambuli Beach Club in Lapu-Lapu City.

Titles in the 5K, 3K and 1.5K competitive races and the 5K fun swim will be disputed in the event open to all swimmers.

The race, jointly organized by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas and the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association for the third straight year, is expected to boost the sport?s popularity.

Over 70 racers competed in the first edition held in a 5K stretch in the Gilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan in 2008.

The following year, over 50 athletes vied in the race from the Pacific Cebu Resort to the beach front of Tambuli Beach Club.

Organizers hope to raise P1.2 million for the livelihood and environment projects of residents of Olango Island, near Cebu.

Proceeds of races in the last two years were used for the construction of classrooms on the island. Discounts will be given to early registrants. Jasmine W. Payo