LOCAL officials with athletes of the 5150 Triathlon in Guimaras. (Tara Yap)
The island-province of Guimaras on Saturday welcomed athletes from 13 countries competing in the Philippine leg of the 5150 Triathlon on Sunday.
The 180 competing athletes are from Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Greece, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, United States including its territory Guam, and United Kingdom.
This is the first time that the island-province known for its sweet mangoes is hosting an international triathlon event under Ironman-branded competitions.
The Olympics-distance race has a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10-kilometer run.
There will be a shorter race known as the Sunrise Sprint Guimaras, half the distance of the three different races in the elite category. This includes a 750-meter swim, a two-kilometer bike ride, and a five-kilometer run.
The race will kick off in San Lorenzo town and end at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol in the capital town of Jordan.
Athletes were welcomed by Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava, Gov. Lucille Nava, and Regional Director Crisanta Marlene “Krisma” Rodriguez of the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday.