Naga City, Cebu—Sam Betten of Australia and Amelia Watkinson of New Zealand led from start to finish to rule the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Cebu while Gian Taylor and Denver Dayonot won their categories in the Go For Gold (GFG) Sunrise Sprint held yesterday April 28, 2019 at the Boardwalk here in this city.
Even bigger winners are this City of Naga as well as the entire province of Cebu.
Mayor Kristine Chiong said the city’s tourism industry will benefit from being showcased before a global audience as well as the income generated by the visitors who participated in the event.
Additionally, the event galvanized the city’s populace in putting its best foot forward as host of the event. Holding the race brought positivity and unity to the community which is recovering from a tragic landslide just last year according to the mayor.
Cebu Province reinforced its image as an island tourism destination with the holding of another world class event within its boundaries.
Betten submitted a time of 1:59.32 to rule the men’s category of the race. Alex Polizzi (2:03.55) came in second; Mitch Robbins (2:05.34) took third; while Dan Brown (2:27.21) was fourth. All four men are from Australia.
Watkinson finished with a time of 2:06.44 to rule the women’s category easily. Anna Eberhardt of Hungary (2:14.51) took second; while Manami Iijima of Guam (2:16:16) was third.
In the Go For Gold (GFG) Sunrise Sprint Taylor won the 12-17 males category. Renzo Mar Pahaganas was second while Jericho Auguis was third.
Other winners were: Male 18-24, Dayonot with King Charles Espanol at second; Male 25-29, Dandy Maturan; Male 30-34, Dennis Rey Rentillosa, Sherwin Dichos; Male 35-39, Jayran Manlangit, Pimco Pimentel, Dickson Yu; Male 40-44, Julius Hibrada, Roldan Calda and Hendry Fritz Co; and Male 45-49, Romulo Rosell, Alan Choachuy.
Sunrise Events General Manager Princess Galura thanked the City of Naga as well as the Province of Cebu for hosting the Olympic and the Sprint triathlon events.
She said another big winner is the local triathlon community which now has another distance to compete in. The 5150 and Sprint triathlons are perfect for those trying the sport for the first time and those who have been absent from the sport awhile and who wish to compete again. They are also for graduates of the Alaska IRONKIDS races who want to continue to compete in the sport.
“The triathlon community is like a family. So now we are trying to grow that family. There are many who want to join our events but may feel that they cannot handle the 70.3 distance,” said Galura.
The Sunrise Events GM said the two distances will prepare aspiring triathletes for the longer, more daunting distances.
“As organizers we want them to be ready. We don’t want them to join if they are not fully prepared. If they join distances they cannot handle they may be a danger to others as well as themselves,” she said.
Sun Life Financial Philippines said they partnered with Sunrise Events and the city to promote a healthy lifestyle through fun activities as well as help people achieve lifetime financial security. Sun Life Financial in the Philippines offers a wide range of services that include Life Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Pension Plans, Education Plans, and Mutual Funds.
Other SEI-organized and produced events this year are the Century Ironman 70.3 Subic on June 2, the Penong’s 5150 Davao on July 7, the Regent Aguila IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 11, the Black Arrow Express 5150 Subic on Oct. 27 and the Sun Life Cycle PH in November.