Camiguin hosts inaugural 5150 island triathlon

CAMIGUIN, Philippines — More than 300 athletes from 15 countries are in Camiguin this weekend for the inaugural 5150 Camiguin, marking the island province’s debut as a host of an IRONMAN-branded Olympic-distance triathlon.

The race, set against one of the country’s most distinct island backdrops, forms part of the continued expansion of IRONMAN-branded events in the Philippines.

Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin offers a race setting where volcanic landscapes meet the sea, giving athletes a course built around both scenery and technical challenge.

The main event features a 1.5-kilometer swim at the historic Sunken Cemetery, a 40-kilometer bike leg along the island’s circumferential road, and a 10-kilometer run ending at the Camiguin Sports Complex.

Race activities are centered around the New Camiguin Gymnasium at the Cong. Pedro Palarca Romualdo Sports Complex, according to the official event schedule.

The race has drawn a strong international field, underscoring the Philippines’ growing reputation as a triathlon destination in Asia.

The international contingent is joined by a competitive Filipino lineup, including athletes competing in the Philippine Sports Commission-supported Filipino Elite category.

Among the leading local names are Bea Quiambao and John Edsille Hamlan, along with emerging athletes identified through the Filipino Elite program.

Organizers said the category continues to serve as a platform to elevate homegrown athletes and identify the next generation of Philippine triathlon standouts.

5150 Camiguin is part of the broader “Islands of the Philippines” campaign, a multi-race initiative designed to showcase the country’s island destinations through sport.

The campaign invites athletes to compete across multiple locations while combining endurance racing with travel experiences unique to each host island.

From Guimaras to Camiguin and beyond, the series highlights the Philippines as a multi-stop racing destination where each event offers a distinct course, culture, and community.

The staging of 5150 Camiguin also supports the province’s push to become a sports tourism destination.

With backing from the local government and stakeholders, the event allows Camiguin to promote its natural attractions, including White Island, Katibawasan Falls, and its cultural heritage.

The race is expected to contribute to the local economy by drawing athletes, support teams, families, and visitors to the island.

The event also reinforces the Philippines’ place in the global triathlon scene, where island racing is paired with international race standards and strong community participation.

Sunrise Events Inc. organizes all IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series races in the Philippines.

Since 2009, Sunrise Events has staged world-class multisport events across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing international-caliber races to Subic Bay, Lapu-Lapu City, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, and Manila.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines in Cebu is widely regarded as the Crown Jewel of Asia and earned the Best Spectator Award at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, in 2018.

Sunrise Events was also recognized for delivering one of the Best Run Courses globally in 2024, highlighting the athlete experience, community support, and operational standards associated with Philippine-hosted races.

In 2022, Sunrise Events expanded its portfolio by staging the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila, the first event of its kind in Asia, blending endurance running with live music and entertainment in the capital.

More information on 5150 Camiguin and the global IRONMAN event series is available through IRONMAN and Sunrise Events.