5150 Dapitan Triathlon: A Historic Showdown in the Heritage City
The 5150 Triathlon Dapitan and Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint are slated to be the inaugural IRONMAN®-branded events in the esteemed heritage city of Dapitan. Situated at the northernmost point of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, this historic city, known as the Shrine City of the Philippines and the former residence of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, will set the stage for a thrilling and welcoming race on September 10, 2023. The competitors will face the Olympic Distance Triathlon, covering a challenging distance of 51.50 kilometers (1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run).
The swim course will commence near the Punto de Desembarco De Rizal along Sunset Blvd., while the bike course will take cyclists towards Dapitan City Hall and the Dipolog-Oroquieta National Road. The run course will guide the athletes back to Punto de Desembarco, allowing them to experience the city’s rich heritage as they pass by historical landmarks and heritage houses.
Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos of Dapitan City expressed pride and excitement about hosting the renowned IRONMAN 5150 Triathlon on September 10, 2023. He emphasized the significance of this breakthrough and historic event, which is set to attract both experienced and up-and-coming triathletes from the local and international communities.
Princess Galura, representing The IRONMAN Group – Sunrise Events, eagerly anticipates inaugurating the race in this new location. Galura acknowledged the historical significance of the 5150 Dapitan race and the privilege of organizing events that celebrate the achievements of Filipino athletes in the home of our National Hero. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting accessible world-class events for the community, allowing passionate triathletes to compete at their best.
Accompanying the 5150 Triathlon, the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint will offer a shorter distance for those seeking to partake in the excitement of triathlon. This sprint category will feature a 750m swim, a 20km one-loop bike course, and a 5km one-loop run course. Jeremy Go, Vice President for Marketing at Powerball, expressed their enthusiasm for supporting the Sunrise Sprint, highlighting their aim to encourage participation from all corners of the Philippines and discover talented athletes within Mindanao.
The race weekend will be adorned with 18 prestigious awards, including trophies and cash prizes, exclusively for Dapitan. These coveted awards encompass various categories, such as the Bagong Bayani Category (formerly known as Filipino Elites), Overall Olympic Distance for both male and female participants, Overall Sprint Distance for male and female participants, Lipi ni Rizal (Best Team Award), Fuertes Juntos (Relay Award), and Liga ni Rizal (TriClub Affiliates). The prizes range from Php 10,000 to Php 50,000, adding an extra layer of competition and rewarding excellence in the field.
To heighten the festive spirit and engage the local community, a special event called the Noli Run will be held on September 9, 2023. This three-kilometer Period Costume Fun Run, taking place at 5 pm at the Punta de Embargo de Rizal, invites participants to showcase their creativity and pay tribute to Rizal’s iconic novel, Noli Me Tangere. The local government will honor the Best Male Costume and Best Female Costume with a prize of Php 10,000 each, ensuring an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a touch of historical elegance.
Supported by the local government of Dapitan City, Go for Gold for Sunrise Sprint, Active, Rudy Project, Sante Barley, Nature’s Spring Water, Manila Bulletin, and Tempo, the 5150 Dapitan and Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint promise to be exceptional triathlon events that athletes, spectators, and the community at large will cherish.
