Northern Samar Gears Up for 2025 Ibabao Festival Triathlon & Sunrise Run
A race like no other — this invitational triathlon blends sport, heritage, and local pride in the heart of Eastern Visayas.
Northern Samar Welcomes Athletes for a Cultural Endurance Showcase
Northern Samar is no stranger to beauty — but on June 1, 2025, it becomes something more: the backdrop of a triathlon that brings together sport, culture, and celebration in one unforgettable experience.
The Ibabao Festival Triathlon & Sunrise Run returns as a special invitational event, coinciding with the province’s vibrant Ibabao Festival. It’s a race designed not only to challenge athletes, but to immerse them in the rich traditions and natural charm of the region.
A Race Rooted in Local Pride
Triathletes will take on an Olympic-distance course: a 1.5-kilometer open-water swim, followed by a 40-kilometer bike ride along Northern Samar’s coastal and community roads, capped by a 10-kilometer run through festive town centers and sunrise-painted landscapes.
For non-triathletes, the Sunrise Run offers a chance to be part of the action — an inclusive fun run that connects guests, residents, and festival-goers alike in a spirit of movement and celebration.
“This event is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and strength,” said Princess Galura, President and Managing Director of Sunrise Events Inc., the race organizer in partnership with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.
The Vision Behind the Festival
Now in its third year, the Ibabao Festival is the signature project of Governor Edwin Ongchuan — created to revive cultural identity, boost local tourism, and bring pride back to the Ibabaoan name. The addition of the triathlon to the festival lineup adds a high-performance lens to the celebration.
“With its breathtaking landscapes, Northern Samar has a lot to offer,” said Gov. Ongchuan. “Through this race, we welcome athletes to experience the warmth of our people, the richness of our province, and the pride of our Ibabaoan roots.”
Powered by Passion and Community
The race is a collaborative effort between the provincial government, municipal LGUs, and Sunrise Events Inc. — the same team behind the iconic IRONMAN races in Cebu and Davao. Known for elevating race standards nationwide, Sunrise brings world-class race operations to a proudly local initiative.
Their track record includes global recognition — most notably when IRONMAN 70.3 Cebu won the 2018 Best Spectator Award at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
With their guidance, the Ibabao Festival Triathlon isn’t just a race — it’s a full-circle celebration of identity, endurance, and hospitality.
Why It Matters
For athletes, it’s a rare opportunity to race in one of the country’s most untouched yet culturally rich provinces. For the locals, it’s a point of pride — welcoming visitors not just to compete, but to connect.
In an era where most races are about numbers, the Ibabao Festival Triathlon stands for something deeper: community, culture, and movement with meaning.
