LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—After over twelve (12) years since the province of Camarines Sur hosted the IRONMAN Philippines, the world-renowned triathlon event that placed the province in the tourism and sports map of the world, is finally back! 

Dubbed 5150 Triathlon CamSur, the most-awaited event is set to take center stage on August 6, where triathletes have to beat the 51.50 kilometers race with 1.5km swim. 40km bike and 10km run.

Along with the Olympic distance event, the Sunrise Sprint triathlon race is a shorter distance event that consists of a 400m swim, a 20km bike, and a 5km run,” according to a press statement released by Sunrise Events, the company behind the IRONMAN brand and races.

Camarines Sur 2nd District Congressman LRay Villafuerte, then the Governor of the province when IRONMAN was first introduced to triathletes and gained world recognition, said that he is excited and looks forward to the holding of the 5150 CamSur.

“You can't deny the fact that memories always stay inside your hearts and minds, especially good memory. So you know, those times, when a professional athlete gets a flat in the local team, these are the memorable things you know people won't forget; the experience, the warmth of the people, the kids. Seeing for the first time the world-class athletes, these are very memorable,” Congressman Villafuerte Jr. said.

Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafierte, who was 11 years old then when the province hosted the IRONMAN Philippines, shared his mixed emotions, anticipating the huge responsibility that he has to take on with the upcoming international event.

“The general feeling is very excited. Of course, there are nerves in anticipation for this, but I think nerves are good because they allow you to act swiftly and you're really prepared. I learned that it's better to think all the possibilities so that whatever comes, you [already] have a solution for it,” the young guv said during the online press meet early this month.

Governor Luigi also said that his confidence also came from the presence of counsel members who were part of the IronMan 70.3 way back in 2009, including the backing of his father, Cong. Villafuerte.  He is also convinced that the province has a lot of athletes who have potential and promising careers in triathlon.

“I'd like to encourage the local population that they can join this event from nearby provinces. I know that there's a very strong local team in the CamSur. This is what we’re looking forward --to see them engage and see who can be the next national team members,” Governor Villafuerte added.

5150 Triatlon CamSur

In a  press statement issued by the IronMan Group and Sunrise Events, participants can choose from the numerous available categories, including opportunities for beginners to test their abilities.

“The Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint event offers an introductory distance to those who are contemplating on trying triathlon for the very first time. With CamSur providing a unique swim course - a 1.5km or a 400m swim in still waters would make a first-time triathlete’s race unintimidating. This will encourage younger athletes to become involved in triathlons while participating in a more relaxed atmosphere,” as mentioned in the press release.

The organizers will also provide special perks for alumni who participated in the IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONKIDS CamSur races between 2009 and 2011. These alumni who complete this year's race will receive a unique commemorative ribbon for their finishers' medals. Additionally, exceptional athletes in specific age categories under 40 and over 41 will be honored with special awards.

TriClub teams will also enjoy exclusive benefits, including their own team cabana at the TriClub Hub. This dedicated area will provide a space for team members and their families to relax and enjoy exclusive amenities.

“Aside from the perks for the CamSur Alumni and TriClub teams enjoy, a 5150 package discount is offered to any registrant who will race the three destinations this year. Instead of paying US$495, the participant will save $95 in the promo. Aside from this, groups of five can avail of a 4+1 Group Discount promo for any of the 5150 & Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint Philippines races in 2023, with the first 20 groups to register to receive a free bike jersey for each destination,” Sunrise events stated in their PR note.

“The Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint event offers an introductory distance to those who are contemplating on trying triathlon for the very first time. With CamSur providing a unique swim course - a 1.5km or a 400m swim in still waters would make a first-time triathlete’s race unintimidating. This will encourage younger athletes to become involved in triathlons while participating in a more relaxed atmosphere,” as mentioned in the press release.

The organizers will also provide special perks for alumni who participated in the IRONMAN 70.3 and IRONKIDS CamSur races between 2009 and 2011. These alumni who complete this year's race will receive a unique commemorative ribbon for their finishers' medals. Additionally, exceptional athletes in specific age categories under 40 and over 41 will be honored with special awards.

TriClub teams will also enjoy exclusive benefits, including their own team cabana at the TriClub Hub. This dedicated area will provide a space for team members and their families to relax and enjoy exclusive amenities.

“Aside from the perks for the CamSur Alumni and TriClub teams enjoy, a 5150 package discount is offered to any registrant who will race the three destinations this year. Instead of paying US$495, the participant will save $95 in the promo. Aside from this, groups of five can avail of a 4+1 Group Discount promo for any of the 5150 & Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint Philippines races in 2023, with the first 20 groups to register to receive a free bike jersey for each destination,” Sunrise events stated in their PR note.

Cam Sur is all Set!

Governor Luigi affirmed the readiness of the province to host the world-renowned event. 

“They will be surprised with the quality of the youth in terms of triathlon. As you all know, we started it all in CamSur and we have the Cam Sur Sports Academy and they’ve been constantly joining triathlons all over the country. Some even went to the full IronMan in Hawaii and recently the Palarong Bicol. We have many runners and cyclists who won 1st and 2nd in their respective categories. They are all excited for this opportunity to showcase their talent,” the governor assured.

Camarines Sur's breathtaking sunrise at the Cam Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) 

Congressman LRay mentioned the strong government support that Cam Sur is receiving. He assured the participants that the race will be well-organized and safe.

“I encourage everyone to try CamSur and experience CamSur. I think it will be much better now. It's been over 12 years since we hosted. I think we've grown, and become better, bigger in terms of hosting events like this. The same people who prepared hosted last 12 years are still with us. So we know the problems, we know the concerns. Of course, the important thing is the safety [of the participants and attendees], and that, we can assure you. When you land in CamSur you're not only safe- you're loved,” the Cam Sur solon said.

Interested participants may register now to avail of the promos for the 5150 Package or the 4+1 Group discount with free bike jerseys for the first 20 team sign-ups!

Registration link: https://www.ironman.com/5150-camsur-register. (With reports from Sunrise Events –{PIA5/Camarines Sur)

(All photos were grabbed during the   Zoom meeting/virtual presscon on May 4, 2023 II Credits to IRONMAN Group and Sunrise Events)