Dapitan vows to present “a race to remember”

CEBU, Philippines —  Drawing inspiration from the highly successful Ironman 70.3 Davao just recently, the city government of Dapitan headed by mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos has vowed to present “a race to remember” when it’s their turn to host the prestigious event six months from now.

Jalosjos was in their sister city over the weekend to observe the conduct of the Ironman 70.3 Davao. He personally took note of the essential things they need to lay down to ensure that their first ever hosting of the 5150 Triathlon, an international event that is part of the Ironman brand, will be spot-on come September 10.

The Ironman is known for its high standards in organizing triathlon races all over the world and the famed “Shrine City of the Philippines” wants to prove it deserves to be included in its 2023 calendar.

Making sure that everything will be carried out properly, Jalosjos brought along with him all his department heads and other key officials who are directly involved in organizing the 5150 Triathlon Dapitan to benchmark what their Davao counterparts have done and replicate it.

“All my department heads are with us and all the key people in key offices,” said Jalosjos. “We are here mirroring the event and mirroring the departments in-charge of the Ironman 70.3 Davao to ensure that we won’t get lost. It’s gonna be our first time!” Jalosjos said.

Jalosjos wants to make Mindanao’s last race for this year under Ironman as successful as the first one in Davao.

“After Davao, Dapitan is the only one in Mindanao (to host an Ironman race) so we are hoping to make the event very memorable,” added Jalosjos.

Through this sporting extravaganza, Dapitan also hopes to showcase what this hidden gem in the country has to offer to the rest of the world.

Registration for the 5i50 Dapitan is now open featuring different age-groups and a relay event.

The grueling race will start and end at the historic Punto del Desembarco de Rizal along Sunset Boulevard where the country’s national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal first set foot in Dapitan, marking the start of his four-year exile.

“Mayor Seth wants nothing but the best to both promote and market Dapitan City through the holding of world-class events to lure international tourists to come here as participants. The mayor is a multi-sport athlete himself and he wants to make sure Dapitan will prepare thoroughly and give the participants representing each of their countries a competition to remember,” said Dapitan Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong.