The recent Black Arrow Express 5i50 last weekend reaffirmed Subic Bay as the Triathlon Capital of the Philippines according to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Director Tomas Lahom III.
The Olympic distance IRONMAN race organized by Sunrise Events which was won by Aussies Sam Betten and Dimity Lee Duke benefitted local triathletes and the local community of Subic.
Local triathletes like John Leerams “Rambo” Chicano (who will represent the Philippines in triathlon in the coming Southeast Asia Games), Fernando Jose Casares, August Benedicto and Alexandra Ganzon gained valuable lessons running side-by-side professional triathletes from abroad.
“You see our triathletes are relatively young. Being able to compete with this elite group. With these pros. It really pushes them to the limit. That’s why we have guys like Rambo and August who are really doing quite well in the world triathlon community. They really wouldn’t have been this good if they were not competing against world class triathletes,” said the SBMA Director.
The local community in Subic and the neighboring area benefit as well from the business from in by the international race.
“It places us in the sports world map. It makes Subic the sports and tourism destination. We maximize the use of what we have in Subic. Of course we have the forest and the seas. It’s really ideal for a triathlon race. We hope to continue our partnership with the triathlon community and maintain Subic as the triathlon capital, not just of the country but of Asia,” said Lahom III.
“It benefits the local community because not just one athlete participates. They usually bring their family. They have their support group. So it keeps our hotels and resorts alive. The revenues of course it brings us revenues not just for SBMA but for the entire community as well.”
Sunrise Events organizes world class events like the Black Arrow Express 5i50 which benefits entire communities where they are held.
“These include the neighboring communities. Olongapo City. Subic. And Hermosa. Everybody else benefit from this,” said the SBMA Director. “You know when they (participants) come in here after the race they usually go out to the resorts with their families. They maximize their time here in Subic so of course it benefits us so much.”