By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY - The Sunrise Events has canceled Saturday, July 6, the swimming competition for the Penong’s Barbecue Seafood & Grill “5150 Triathlon” held for the very first time in Davao City, Philippines.
(Photo by Ivy Tejano/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura made the announcement during the “Meet the Pros” press conference at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang in Davao City at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The Sunrise Events with the health officials here in Davao City earlier conducted a comprehensive water testing. According to the result, the sea or the water is not currently suitable for recreational use.
“After consultation with health officials, we have decided to cancel the swim leg for the safety of the participants is our top priority,” Galura said, adding that they will have a duathlon format race.
The organizers have provided the participants new instructions and mechanics for the race, which will start on July 7, Sunday morning, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.
For the 5150, they will have to run for 2.5 kilometers, bike for 40 kilometers, and run for 10 kilometers; while the Sprint will have to run for 1.5 km, bike for 20 km, and run for five km.
City administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, meanwhile, welcomed all participants for the triathlon, now duathlon, who came all the way from different countries.
Domingo also apologized for the sudden cancellation of the swim leg. He said the safety of participants is the first, second and last priority of the Davao City Government.
As of July 6 at 4 p.m. there are already 550 registered participants for the race. The Penong’s 5150 Triathlon hopes to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and embrace multisport training & racing.
Sunrise Events founder Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said the 5150 is the Olympic distance brand of World Triathlon Corporation that aims at holding shorter distance events to inspire people to join the triathlons.