Parklane Hotel launches inaugural triathlon event

CEBU, Philippines - Swim possibly with the 'butandings', bike alongside some heritage sites and run on  untamed environment as a backdrop.

The participants could experience all of these exciting treats as Cebu Parklane International Hotel holds its maiden triathlon race billed as Hunat Sugbu Triathlon on October 6 at Oslob’s Heritage Park.

Parklane has staged a highly successful running event for the past three years already and this time, they venture into triathlon as  part of its commitment to promote Cebu’s countryside through sports.

“Although we have been involved in running through the Hunat Sugbu-Halad Kang Maning, a memorial run for our late president, it’s time for us to level up with this triathlon event," said Parklane's general manager Cen Maguilimotan in yesterday’s formal launching of the event.

No triathlon event has ever been held in Oslob, making the local government ecstatic and delighted of the hosting chores.

“I’m very grateful that Parklane choose us.This is a chance to expose our area to the rest.Our people is very excited about this event,” said Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren.

The race will have the standard and sprint distances. Maguilimotan said they have to limit the number of participants to 400 because they want to make their initial staging a blast.

The standard distance, which covers 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run, will feature different age groups for male entries: 25-29, 30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49 and 50-above. The distaff side will have 18-29, 30-39 and 40-above division.

There will also be a relay competition in the standard distance wherein each team is required to have at least one female member.

The sprint event, on the other hand, is comprised of 750-meter swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

“The route is good even for the beginners. Of all the triathlon events we have, I can say the course in Oslob is the best one, so far. It's flat and the backdrop is nice," said race director Benjoe Jimenez.

The top three finishers in the men and women's open standard division will receive P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000, respectively.  Medals will be given away to the top performers among age-groupers as well as in the team competition, while a trophy will be handed out to the biggest delegation.

Entry fee is pegged at P1,800 for the individual action and P1,200 per member in the relay inclusive of a loot bag, race number, bike and helmet stickers, swim cap, visor, race bib hold and a shirt, finisher's medal, carbo-loading dinner and buffet at the finish line.

As of this writing, only 30 slots are left for the event. One may register at Parklane or online through sugbutriathlon.com (FREEMAN)