Columbia duathlon on Sunday

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu leg of the Columbia Trailmasters Duathlon Series is set this Sunday featuring a run-bike-run sequence.

Organized by outdoor apparel and equipment brand Columbia Sportswear, exclusively distributed by The Primer Group of Companies, Trailmasters Cebu leg is an echo of what has transpired during the first Trailmasters Duathlon Series, touted as the biggest in the country held in the sprawling 1,700-hectare Nuvali Estate in Sto. Rosa, Laguna last June with more than 600 participants.

Seasoned athletes, as well as enthusiasts, will pedal their way through the rough Balamban mountain range, specifically within the Central Cebu National Park.

The event starts at 5 a.m.

The transition site for the run event will be in barangay Gaas.

There will be the elite category open to men, women and group relay covering a 10-kilometer run, 30-kilometer bike, and finishing with another 10-k run.

There is the shorter executive category, which covers a 5-K run, 20-K bike, and another 5-K run. There are also individual and relay divisions for this class.

A total of 16 have already signed up for the individual categories of the elite class along with 26 relay teams.

For the executive class, 125 have signed up for the individual action and there are a total of 74 relay teams.

According to race director Ramon Vidal, bikers should expect a tricky trail going down barangay Gaas while approaching barangay Tungkay, Toledo.

It's a downhill course that requires one to carry his bike. A 250-meter off-road track will put their biking skills to the test. Generally, the route is 80 percent off-road.

Elite drivers will follow a single track that will pass through part of the Transcentral Highway.

Elite runners will cross two creeks while those in the executive class will only cross one.

Participants should finish the course in four hours and 30 minutes.

Winner for the Elite category will take home the P8,000 cash plus a trophy and other prizes while the Executive category top finisher receives P3,000, a trophy and gift items.

Duathletes are requested to attend the race briefing this 7 p.m. at Ayala Center Cebu's Active Zone.

The event is co-presented by ROX and supported by: Res/Toe/Run, Adventure Cafe, Balamban Local Government, Gatorade, Nature's Spring, Hero Sausages, Marin, Vetta, SH+, Saris, Cebu Pacific, Julie's Bakeshop, Thirsty, the Primer Group and in partnership with Front Runner, Onesport, Dispatch, Total Fitness, PinoyMTBiker, Takbo.ph, The FREEMAN, Cebu Daily News and NU107. (FREEMAN)