(from left-right) Jeremy Go of the Go For Gold, Sunrise Events Inc. general manager Princess Galura, Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosos, and Dakak Park and Beach Resort general manager Svetlana Jalosjos-de Leon. | By Glendale Rosal
DAPITAN CITY, Philippines — The inaugural 5150 Triathlon Dapitan tomorrow, September 10, 2023, is a culmination of rigid planning and preparation.
Back in 2022 during the Ironman 70.3 race in Cebu, Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos assigned the City Tourism Officer Apple Marie S. Agolong to observe and express to the Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI) that their LGU is interested in hosting the 5150 Triathlon.
Fast forward to September 2023, over 400 triathletes from 11 countries will have the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind triathlon race in the “Shrine City” of Zamboanga del Norte known for its history and natural attractions.
Dapitan City now serves as the fourth host city for this Olympic-distance triathlon race along with Camarines Sur, Bohol, and Subic. It has a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40k bike, and 10k run.
“Eto pong 5150 in Dapitan has been planned and prepared for almost a year. We’ve been planning this for that long. We’re so happy na it’s finally here. Today is the day, that’s why I would like to thank Apple Agolong for reaching out to Princess Galura and Sunrise Events,” said Jalosjos during the presser on Saturday, held at the scenic Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City.
Jalosjos was joined by SEI general manager and overall organizer Princess Galura, Dakak’s general manager Svetlana Jalosjos-de Leon, and Jeremy Go of Go For Gold.
IRONMAN 70.3 HOSTING BID
One of the ultimate goals of Dapitan in hosting the 5150 race is to apply as host of the grander and more grueling Ironman 70.3.
Their hosting capabilities will be put to the extreme test tomorrow.
Despite the huge challenge they need to hurdle, Jalosjos and the Dapitan LGU said that they didn’t leave a single stone unturned in terms of preparation for their initial hosting.
“We can’t say confident that’s the reason why we’re trying our best to give everyone a very good 5150 race. I think it’s one of the checklists that you can’t host a 70.3 race if you can’t successfully host a 5150 race first,” said Jalosjos.
“Hopefully tomorrow successful ang race namin. Sana magustuhan nila ang hosting namin, maybe there, we get to host the Ironman 70.3 in the future.”
Besides the successful hosting, SEI needs to check if Dapitan has sufficient accommodation, a suitable race route, and good transportation to pass the requirements to host an Ironman 70.3 race.
STAGGERING CASH PRIZES
Dapitan LGU’s cash prizes for the winning triathletes are a huge checkmark in their hosting. This aspect alone sets a new standard in competitive triathlon hosting.
Over P870,000 worth of cash prizes will be given out to the top triathletes in 22 categories.
These staggering cash prizes drew the participation of the country’s best triathletes such as Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Kim Mangrobang and Fernando Casares and a bunch of national team triathletes.
“Thank you and congratulations Dapitan for becoming part of the big boys club of triathlon races in the Philippines. Pinili kayo ng mga 400 plus athletes including 30 Bagong Bayani triathletes who will compete in the sprint and Olympic distance races. Ito ang pinili nila, hindi sila pumunta ng ibang lugar,” said Galura.
“Aside from that, thank you so much mayor, to Apple (Agolong). They’ve been working for this since August last year in Cebu.”
Besides the triathlon race, the 400-plus triathletes racing tomorrow are treated to historical tours that take them to places where National Hero Jose Rizal used to stay during his exile in Dapitan. /rcg
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