5150 Dapitan race sets spotlight on compelling historical backdrop

DAPITAN CITY – The quest for glory at the 5150 Dapitan Triathlon kicks off Sunday here in Zamboanga del Norte, where athletes are not only racing for top honors but also making their mark on a venue steeped in national significance.

Organized by the IRONMAN Group Philippines for the second consecutive year, the Olympic-style triathlon features a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run, with a compelling backdrop — the city where national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled.

This year’s edition promises to be even more thrilling, as over 400 athletes vie for top honors across various age group categories. However, the spotlight will be on the overall championship for both men and women, with winners set to take home a prize of P65,000 each.

The Bagong Bayani awards will also honor athletes not only for their physical prowess but also for embodying values such as resilience, perseverance and national pride — qualities that mirror the nation’s history of heroism.

Top local triathletes such as Satar Salem, Mohamad Maruhom, Jailani Lamama and Kenneth Bonda, joined by rising stars Rodel Rosauro, Dennis Dy, Akio Habana, Dayshaun Ramos and Joseph Agolong lead the men's pack.

On the women’s side, contenders Samantha Flores, Karen dela Peña, Rhijina Janda, Gaea Maranon, Nicole Andaya and Cleopatra Lim are expected to deliver fierce competition in the event backed by the local government of Dapitan City, headed by Mayor Seth Jalosjos, Go for Gold for Sunrise Sprint, Active, Sante, Amlan Purified Water, Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink, Manila Bulletin and Tempo.

For details, visit www.ironman.com/5150-dapitan-philippines.

Meanwhile, in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a shorter but fiercely competitive triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), victors will be awarded P30,000 each.

The race also boasts a wide array of international participants, with athletes from Brazil, Switzerland, the UK, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the US competing alongside their Filipino counterparts. The 5150 Dapitan’s age group categories, from 16-19 to 65-69, offer a competitive yet inclusive environment for athletes of all ages.

However, it is the premier race that remains the focal point, with participants navigating a fast course along Dapitan's historic sites, blending athleticism with cultural heritage.

Adding to the festive atmosphere are a number of side events, including the Lipi ni Rizal competition, which awards the fastest team of five, with P20,000 for the 5150 and P10,000 for the Sunrise Sprint winners.

The Fuertes Juntos relay will reward top teams in the men’s, women’s, and mixed categories with P10,000 each, while the Liga ni Rizal will grant P50,000 to the team with the most participants.

The course itself is fast and dynamic with athletes to navigate the calm waters off Sunset Boulevard, race through the flat bike course, and finish with a run through the historic streets of Dapitan City, passing by landmarks.

What sets the 5150 Dapitan apart from other triathlons is its blend of sport and history. Every twist and turn of the course reflects the rich legacy of the nation’s past, particularly through its connection to Dr. Rizal’s exile. This gives participants a unique experience, intertwining athleticism with a journey through Philippine heritage.

The festivities kicked off on Saturday with the Noli Run, which featured runners dressed as characters from Dr. Rizal’s novels. The top two best-costumed runners (male and female) shared a P20,000 prize, adding a cultural touch to the centerpiece events held in this historic city.