MANILA, Philippines–A number of tri-sport athletes in the Sun Life 5150 unfolding Sunday are vying in the Olympic distance race in Panglao, Bohol to hone and toughen up for the grueling IRONMAN 70.3 slated in Cebu next month.
The long hiatus due to pandemic has created a split effect on active people and events like triathlon and running races with the upcoming 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run marking the resumption of the multi-sports events in the new normal.
It also gives a good number of the 562 bidders the chance to test their power, speed and staying power on an Olympic-style course set up as part of their buildup for the 70.3 meet on Aug. 7 in Mactan, Cebu.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado is also joining the 5150 aimed at providing those wanting to get into triathlon a venue for training and at the same time provide quality tri-sport experience.
While the event has drawn participants of various skills from the youngest 15-19 age category to the senior side of 65-69, focus will be on those bidding in the 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 40-44 as they seek to sharpen up and reach high competitive level in time for the 70.3 meet on Aug. 7 in Mactan, Cebu.
They include bets from Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom, South Africa, Vietnam, Singapore, France, India, Malaysia, Denmark, Hong Kong, the US, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Korea, Guatemala and Japan and host the Philippines.
Also on tap on Sunday are the relay all men’s and women’s and the relay mixed while the Sunrise Sprint event, a sub-category to 5150 featuring 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run, has also lured over a hundred participants from at least 23 teams, all raring to get going in the event dubbed as S2.