3-leg Red Durano triathlon series unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines - The first leg of the Congressman Red Durano Triathlon Series unfolds today with Cebuano Ironman Philippines campaigners expected to see action at the Sea Breeze Resort in Luyang, Carmen.

In a press conference the other day at Ila Puti in Cebu IT Park, Congressman Red Durano said the three-leg series is his contribution to the local athletes in their preparation for the highly-anticipated Ironman Philippines on August 5 at Shangri-la Resort and Spa in Mactan Island.

“This will help in the speed work of the athletes since they already have endurance,” said Durano, himself an avid triathlon disciple.

The grueling race features a 750-meter swim, 20K bike and 5K run.

The winners will get medals and a race jersey.

“We are not giving cash prizes here because we don’t want the participants to join only for money. We want to make it as part of their training for the Ironman,” said event organizer Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, Jr., who is also an official of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the country’s governing body of the three-in-one sport.

The second leg is slated on June 3 in Camotes Island. It was originally scheduled on June 10 but it falls on the same day when boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao collides with Tim Bradley in Las Vegas, prompting the organizers to reset the race a week earlier. (FREEMAN)