Ilocos Norte gains ground as fave sports tourism destination

Last year's triathlon in Ilocos Niorte (Alaric Yanos)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Over the years, Ilocos Norte’s picture-perfect landscape and excellent road conditions away from traffic and polluted Metro Manila keeps attracting triathlon enthusiasts here and abroad.

Running for four years now, the Tri-North, an Ilocos Norte-based triathlon club in collaboration with local government units, local resort owners and private stakeholders here will be showcasing again the best triathlon race course in the country found in the still open waters of Currimao town ideal for swimming, the cinematic views of Paoay and a hall of fame cleanest and greenest city of Laoag.

On March 19, about 150 participants from various parts of the country and the world look forward to the ‘Tri Ilocos Norte 4’ challenge, open for newbies and professionals.

“Compared to the previous editions, the event has become much better and bigger,” said Faivo Bartolome, Tri-North president.

“Starting from approximately 500 participants in 2009, the popularity of triathlon race in the country has grown to about 3,000 participants,” said Bartolome which means this is a booming sports in the countryside.

“Our locals have a positive take on the event. More and more professionals including students join our club as we support each other,” he added saying “it is not just the competition that matters but more on maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

And with Ilocos Norte’s ideal location for safe biking, swimming and running, Carlo Sampan, Marketing Manager of Trisports.ph said this exciting sporting event in the province is attracting new and old triathlon athletes to try new things the province has to offer.

As one of the premier sports tourism destinations in the country, host community also benefit from the event as participants and their family and friends whom they bring along with them could also enjoy a sort of vacation at the same time, touring around places and buying some local products.

“We want to provide a total experience. Apart from the competition, our athletes will have more days to stay to share to the triathlon community what Ilocos Norte has to offer like visiting the windmills, eating empanada or enjoying the greenery views along the way,” said Mr. Sampan.

Mikey Chua of Tri-Sports Solutions Inc. said the coverage is made more exciting this year with better views for participants.

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