Salem leads charge in 5150 Dapitan Triathlon

Satar Salem of Lanao del Norte is determined to end his winless streak as he heads a competitive field in the men’s category of the 5150 Dapitan Triathlon, set for Sunday (Sept. 8) in Zamboanga del Norte.

Salem, who last won at 5150 Bohol in 2022, will compete against a strong roster that includes Jailani Lamama, Mohamad Maruhom, Arden Gonzales, James Montero, and young standouts Matthew Hermosa, Kenneth Bonda, and Akio Habana.

The athletes will battle both for their respective age-group honors and the overall championship.

The women’s competition is expected to be equally fierce following the withdrawal of Erika Burgos due to personal reasons.

Samantha Flores, Karen dela Peña, Cleo Lim, Rhijina Janda, and Nicole Andaya will now vie for the final triathlon championship of the season.

This year’s 5150 Dapitan, held in a historically rich venue under the Olympic-style format, has attracted international participants from the United States, Great Britain, Brazil, Switzerland, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa, ensuring competitive action across various age divisions.

Adding to the excitement of the event, organized by The IRONMAN Group and hosted by Dapitan City under Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos, is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint.

The shorter course features a 750-meter open-water swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run.

The Noli Run, a 4-kilometer fun run with over 300 participants, will kick off the festivities on Saturday, enhancing the vibrant weekend atmosphere in Dapitan.

For more details, visit www.ironman.com/5150-dapitan-philippines-register.

Dapitan, known as the place where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled, is providing participants with a unique race experience.

The event highlights the city’s growing reputation as a prime destination for sports tourism, with aspirations of hosting an IRONMAN 70.3 race in the future.

Along with the overall men’s and women’s titles, various age-group categories will also be contested.

The competition will begin with the swim leg at Sta. Cruz Beach near the historic Punto del Desembarco De Rizal en Dapitan, followed by the bike stage along the Dipolog-Oroquieta National Road, and conclude with a scenic run, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators.