DAPITAN CITY (PIA) – After their rousing success last year, Dapitan City once again welcomed an influx of triathletes coming into the city as they hosted the internationally renowned Ironman 5150 triathlon for the second year in a row.
With 15 countries participating in this year’s event, the Ironman 5150 is famous for its 1.5-kilometer (km) swim, followed by a 40km bike course, ending in a 10km run, ending in Punto de Desembarco, the historical site where Dr. Jose Rizal docked when he arrived in the city for his exile.
For newbie triathletes who didn’t feel quite up to the challenge of the 5150, the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint was also available, offering a shorter course with a 750-meter swim, 20km bike, and a 5km run.
According to Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos, they are thrilled to host the triathletes. He continued to say that through these events, the city hopes to inspire the youth and the community for a bright future through positive and healthy competition.
“The event not only features a challenge to be won by the athletes, but a celebration of our heritage,” Mayor Jalosjos added.
In true Dapitan fashion, the city brought back its iconic Noli Run the day before the triathlon.
Aptly named after Rizal’s Noli Mi Tangere, over 400 runners took on the 4km course through the city, some rising to the occasion and taking on the course in full Filipinianas and three-piece suits. Quite fitting for the city where the national hero was exiled in, a P10,000 cash prize was awarded to the best male and female costumed runners.
Giving more incentive to go out and explore the city aside from participating in the races, the city also conducted a city-wide heritage bingo game, wherein tourists would visit different renowned tourist spots in Dapitan and have city employees stationed there mark their cards in order to win a mystery prize from the city government.
According to Mayor Jalosjos, the 5150 triathlon together with the annual Noli Run is one of Dapitan City’s biggest highlights, not just because of the boost in income for local businesses, but also because it is a chance for sports tourism to meet cultural and historical awareness. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
