Dumaguete City has cemented its reputation as a triathlon venue as it hosts Sunday’s 4th Triathlon 2023, which is participated in by some 400 local, national and foreign participants.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo is expecting the yearly triathlon competition will bring in more tourists here as the city aspires to become a sports tourism capital.
“Triathlon has become one of our exciting events in commemoration of the 75th charter day anniversary of the city of Dumaguete,” Remollo said.
“Of course, sports tourism through triathlon is one of the crown drawers and favorites of our city and of our province,” he added.
At least six foreign triathletes, including a female sexagenarian, have also registered for the event, said Kathy Aguilar, city information officer.
Aguilar said broadcast journalist Kara David of GMA Network, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Elaine Bathan, and a few other celebrities and VIPs are participating in the swim-bike-run event, although their names were not disclosed to surprise the spectators.
Popular TV/Radio sports commentator Chiqui Reyes will host the triathlon.
Several athletes participating in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games have also signified their intention to join the event although arrangements are still being made, Aguilar said.
Last year, around 600 participants took part in the triathlon. This year’s number dropped after it was rescheduled from April to May, to give way to the Annual Communication 2023 of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.
After the gun start is at 5:30 a.m. at Rizal Boulevard, participants have to swim 1,500 meters and go on a 40-kilometer bike ride and followed by a 10-kilometer run.
Gilbert Ablong, chief of the Traffic Management Office (TMO), said 40 enforcers from the Discipline Zone team and 90 from the TMO, will be deployed to secure the athletes and to ensure smooth traffic flow. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
