MANILA, Philippines - Some 800 athletes gear up for various recreational and water sports as Sarangani Bay, one of the world’s richest tuna fishing grounds, stages the 15km Swim Across the Bay Cross on May 24.
The extreme relay swim race, set to run from both ends of the bay from Maasim to Tinoto Beach in Maasim to Gumasa Glan, kicks off the two-day Sarangani Bay Festival, one of the biggest beach and sporting events in the country.
Regarded as among the longest sea swimming race in Asia, the three-hour relay marathon has been dominated by the Dadiangas Torpedoes of General Santos City the past five years.
The group clocked below three hours to rule last year’s race, beating the Sea Lions of Koronadal City and Davao City’s GenSan View Resort.
Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez said the swim challenge is also one way of helping Filipino swimmers compete not only in pools but also in international offshore contests.
He added that Sarangani Bay Festival has become one of the country’s biggest beach events, which showcases the province’s natural wonders and adventure spots.
In addition to the long-distance race, there will also be 200 to 400m Sarangani Swim Challenge in Gumasa for individual competition.
Other events lined up are the paragliding exhibitions, beach volleyball, football, a bancarera single fishing boat race, a jetski competition, and a Mountain Bike Ultra 3-Men Challenge around Gumasa.