Ilocos Heritage Triathlon slated in Ilocos Sur Dec. 1

MANILA, Philippines - Big-time triathlon goes north along with a hefty purse of P657,000, of which P100,000 is allotted for the elite men  and women champions, in the Ilocos Heritage Tri (113) 2013 slated Dec. 1 in Ilocos Sur.

Starting at the pristine Santiago cove (often dubbed “Boracay of the North”) in Santiago town with a1.9-kilometer swim, the unique grind will end at the historic cobblestoned UNESCO inscribed heritage village of Vigan City after a 21-km run.

In between, the triathletes bike for 90 kilometers along the main streets of Candon City, center of commerce and trade of southern Ilocos Sur and one of the fastest growing cities of northern Luzon, and well paved national highway passing through several coastal towns with a slew of beautiful beaches at their sights.

The first middle distance triathlon north of Subic Bay and easily the biggest sports local event this year is under the aegis of Rep. Eric Singson, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur led by Gov Ryan Luis Singson, and the cities of Vigan (Mayor Ericson Singson) and Candon (Mayor Eva Marie Medina).

The Ilocos Heritage Tri (113) is an integral component of the sports tourism program of Gov. Singson and Rep. Eric Singson and highlight of the 2013 Feria de Candon, an annual event of Candon and the 22 towns of the second district of Ilocos Sur showcasing their native products and culture.

 â€œWe are holding this triathlon to showcase Ilocos Sur’s scenic views like the historic sites of Vigan City. Vigan is only three steps away from being hailed as being one of the “New 7 Wonder Cities of the World” – the lone Philippine city in the shortlist of 28 from original 78 hopefuls, ” Rep. Singson, the event initiator, said.

Jun Balbin is event coordinator/LOC secretary (09175683261 and 09999998405) and Charlie Lao (09275774444) Event Co-Coordinator/Director.

Cash prizes of P40,000, P30,000, P20,000, P10,000 apiece await the men’s and women’s overall second-fifth placers, respectively, in the race sanctioned by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) with TRAP veep Red Dumuk as technical delegate.

The podium finishers in the age-group competitions bring home P7,000, P5,000 and P3,000, respectively. Age-groups on tap are 18-24 years, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54 and 55 & above for men and 18-24, 25-34, 35-44 and 45 & above for women.

Top five teams in the relays bag P20,000, P15,000, P10,000, P7,000 and P5,000, respectively.

Entry fee is P3,000 for individuals and P4,000 for the team. Registration deadline is Nov. 15.