Subic to host Challenge Phl triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - The country joins the growing global roster of Challenge triathlon events with the staging of the inaugural Challenge Philippines Triathlon on Feb. 22, 2014 in Subic and Bataan.

The half-distance event will take the triathletes on a gorgeous race course in the pristine protected waters of Ilanin Bay, its rolling hills and the coastal jungle forests of Subic and Bataan.

Challenge Philippines is the third member of the Challenge Family in Asia, coming after Challenge Taiwan and Challenge Phuket. Overall, Challenge Family holds 21 events all over the world, including the largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany, all focused on “delivering the race of a lifetime to every athlete, and creating a memorable spectator experience that captures all the excitement and emotion of the inspirational sport.”

“The Philippines is one of the fastest growing triathlon markets in the world,”said David Voth, president of the organizing Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA) during Challenge Philippines’ formal launch yesterday at Chops Chicago Steakhouse in Greenbelt 5 along with Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco.

“By bringing Challenge Philippines here, we can help grow the sport and celebrate and share the Pinoy spirit with the rest of the world,” added Voth, who has settled down and raised a family in the Phl.

The course will start from the white sand beaches of Camayan Beach Resort and ventures into IIanin Bay and the pristine waters of a protected marine area. Here, the participants will enjoy the experience of swimming in clear waters over reefs, historic ship wrecks and giant clams.

The bike course, meanwhile, runs parallel to the coastline into Bataan, including the village of Morrong and scenic province settings. Full of magnificent vistas, the rolling bike course heads back to Subic and the International Airport costal road where the triathletes will turn and head back to Adventure Beach.

Organizers said the run will take triathletes along a course that no one has raced before, featuring a shaded Forest Run through the IIanin Forest on rolling shaded paved roads in the old Navy Magazine area. Additionally, the run course will be fully closed to cars or traffic and is all within the protected forest preserve.

Adopting the theme “Challenge Your Self, Race for a Cause,” Challenge Philippines Triathlon will serve as the climax of a weeklong “celebration of lifestyle, cultural and community engagements and sports for the entire family celebrating, rejoicing the Pinoy Spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines.”

“Our Challenge Philippines is also much more than a race; it’s a week of active lifestyle activities for the entire family. But more importantly, it’s a race for a cause where we provide platforms so participants can support various good cause and charitable organization,” said Voth.

Registration for Challenge Philippines opened yesterday via the event’s website: www.challenegephilippines.com