IN to host ultimate triathlon race

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte—Around 300 athletes from all over the country are expected to join this province’s long distance triathlon and ultimate Frisbee event in cooperation with sports enthusiasts and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte on March 22-23.

Dubbed as the “Ultimate Tri Ilocos Norte” challenge, this project makes Ilocos Norte fast becoming a favorite sporting event destination with the conduct of several sports clinic and multi-sports activities here.

“The event can be another boost to our booming tourism industry,” said provincial tourism officer Ianree Raquel as multi-sports enthusiasts and advocates consider Ilocos Norte as a promising venue outside Metro Manila because of its serene landscapes, calm beaches and beautiful roads.

Beyond the promotion of sports tourism, Dr. Joven Cuanang, owner of Sitio Remedios, who is a new partner this year of the Tri-North and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte in the two-day challenge, said supporting this event is also a good strategy for businesses’ corporate social responsibility and give back to the community by promoting health and wellness.

“Whether you win or lose, you have won already if you have prepared well,” Cuanang said adding, “Living well” is his advocacy and one way of doing so, is to support sporting events like this “to keep people healthy in terms of the mind and body.”

Following the success of last year’s first Tri Ilocos Norte, Mikey Chua, race director and member of the organizing group, TriSports Solutions Inc. aims to make the event more fun and longer this time.

With cash prizes at stake, the Ultimate Tri Ilocos Norte will offer a 51.5 km standard distance triathlon equivalent to 1.5 km swim,40 km bike and 10 km run, and the first ever 113 km distance half ironman race (2 km swim,90 km bike, 21 km run) to be held in Laoag City.

Organizers also added that a beach ultimate Frisbee tournament will add fun and excitement in this year’s triathlon event, inviting students from state colleges and universities to participate on March 1 at Sitio Remedios for a free sports clinic.

Interested participants may register on March 21 at Sitio Remedios. For more information, visit www.trisports.ph and www.facebook.com/tri.sports.solutions.