This island province just made its global triathlon debut

By Mariela Angella Oladive

GUIMARAS — Athletes from 14 countries gathered in the island province of Guimaras from March 6 to 8 for the inaugural staging of the 5150 Triathlon, marking the start of the country’s 2026 triathlon season and putting the province in the spotlight for sports tourism.

The Olympic-distance race kicked off Sunday, March 8, beginning with a 1.5-kilometer swim at Playa de Paraiso in San Lorenzo, followed by a 40-kilometer bike ride to the Guimaras Provincial Capitol, and concluding with a 10-kilometer run passing through the Guimaras State University Mosqueda campus and back to the capitol.

Around 180 athletes competed, representing Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Guam, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.

The 5150 Triathlon is a globally recognized endurance race series organized by Sunrise Events Inc. that follows the standard Olympic triathlon distance of 1.5 kilometers of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling, and 10 kilometers of running.

For organizers and provincial officials, the event is more than a race — it is part of a broader effort to position Guimaras as a venue for international outdoor sporting events.

Princess Galura, president and managing director of Sunrise Events Inc., said the race aims to place the island at the center of the endurance racing scene while showcasing its natural landscapes.

She noted that participants and their families were expected to explore the island’s tourist sites, generating additional tourism activity.

“We have a long checklist when choosing a destination for the 5150 Triathlon. We visited Guimaras and found it ready to host international athletes,” Galura added, highlighting its scenic coastal routes, well-prepared facilities, and supportive local community as key factors.

Department of Tourism Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez echoed Galura, adding that the triathlon helps diversify the region’s tourism offerings.

“This helps us in our strategic tourism goal, specifically the diversification of tourism products. Western Visayas has many attractions, and we are happy that for Guimaras, we are adding sports tourism to the portfolio,” Rodriguez said in a media briefing ahead of the race.

Guimaras Lone District Rep. JC Rahman Nava said hosting the international race aligns with the province’s long-standing goal of developing it into a destination for outdoor recreation.

He recalled that the province hosted its first triathlon 22 years ago, when the national championship was first held outside Subic, and expressed pride in bringing the event back.

“We are thrilled to welcome the triathlon again, as it helps put Guimaras on the map as an outdoor sports destination,” he said.

Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava also expressed pride and gratitude for the province being selected as the opening leg of the 5150 Triathlon Island Series.

The event also marked the return of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Filipino Elite category, bringing members of the national Elite Under-23 triathlon team into the competition.

The three-day program included the 5150 Triathlon Guimaras 2026 Expo at Playa de Paraiso, offering official race merchandise, souvenirs, and essentials for athletes and visitors.

Another expo site was set up at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds, which also served as the race finish line.

The Guimaras race marks the start of the 5150 Islands of the Philippines Triathlon Series, which will also stage races in Camiguin on May 3, Panglao in Bohol on July 12, and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu on Aug. 9.