An integrated triathlon

Sunday’s Subic Invitational Triathlon showcased a new approach to what is perceived as a grueling race that requires superhuman endurance and time-consuming training. The zenith of the Subic Fitness Festival, it is a new project of Raymund Magdaluyo, blending competitive self-improvement with a more relaxed, family approach. It is also the first step to changing the public’s perception of triathlon.

Magdaluyo, who owns the Red Crab, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and Clawdaddy restaurant chains, was also thinking of a way to draw more patrons to his outlets and also help the Harborpoint Mall of the Ayalas and SBMA.

“The most weatherproof market here are those who train,” says the successful restaurateur. “Eight months of the year, you don’t have tourists here in Subic. So we were organizing this Subic Fitness Festival, which we want to run year-round.”

Beyond that, he also has a personal debt of gratitude to fitness and discipline.

“I got into triathlon last year, when I turned 40,” Magdaluyo reveals. “It was my birthday gift to myself. I was 210 pounds, really big, and I was having trouble breathing, etc. I was an okay swimmer, I bike for leisure, but in running I was really lousy. Then my friends played a joke on me, they made me join the Cebu Ironman. Then I ended up signing up in the wrong division, for CEOs. The regular division was closed. They were all hardcore CEOs. Very strong.”

It was this experience that opened Magdaluyo’s eyes to the growing market of professional and casual athletes who want to try triathlon, but can’t or don’t want to push themselves for the full Ironman distance. The community needed more events to keep them and their families interested, so they wouldn’t be discouraged by being mixed in with the more intensely competitive triathletes.

The Subic Fitness Festival included yoga, running, belly dancing, dancing and tale tennis events, and climaxed with the Subic Invitational Triathlon, in preparation for the Challenge Philippines triathlon next year. The Philippines is only the third venue in Asia for Challenge Family series, the largest triathlon series on the continent, which originated in Germany. The first two venues were Taiwan and Phuket, Thailand. The Challenge Family races are held in 23 locations around the world.

“We organized this to service the newbies,” Magdaluyo explains. “In this Subic Invitational Traithlon, 60 percent of the participants are new triathletes. What we want to bring here is the more laid-back type of triathlon, like what they have in Hawaii. The course is friendlier, we’re not so strict with some of the rules. For the Challenge Philippines in February, we’re planning to hold the race on a Saturday instead of a Sunday, so people will stay longer in the venue.”

The Subic Invitational Triathlon was a one-kilometer swim, 30-kilometer bike and six-kilometer run starting and ending at the scenic Ocean Adventure Park, and winding its way through the forest parks around the area and Adventure Beach on the Camayan Resort complex, a partner of the event. It was the first time the facility hosted a triathlon. The owners are also caretakers of the Ilanin Forest Reserve, and happily found a way to dovetail sports with their conservation efforts.

That emphasis is an integral part of the course. Part of the swim course takes participants over a sunken ship just off the shore; while the running trail passes through a forest trail. It is challenging, inspiring and makes one mindful of caring for our surroundings. This initial foray is laying the groundwork for larger environmentally friendly sporting events in the next few years. The integrated approach and a family-oriented atmosphere make for an appealing entry point for new triathletes.

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In connection with Manny Pacquiao’s return to the ring, Solaire Resort and Casino presents “The Next Best Thing to Live Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Rios – Fight As One,” a new kind of viewing experience. The casino will set up a boxing ring and HD stadium cube screen, live commentators, ring girls, other performers and food and beverages. Ticket holders will also be given discounts at various outlets of the hotel and casino which will be valid throughout the rest of the day, as well. Tickets range in price from P1,500 to P3,500.