High demand for Hunat Sugbo

They were supposed to admit just 350 triathletes for Cebu Parklane International Hotel’s “Hunat Sugbo Triathlon,” which blasts off today at the Heritage Park in Oslob town, southern Cebu.

However, due to high demand for last-minute inclusion in Oslob’s first-ever triathlon, organizers are left with little choice but to admit 428 racers who will tackle the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40k bike and 10k run challenge that will pass through Oslob’s famous tourist sites, including barangay Tan-Awan, where the famous whale sharks or butandings can be sighted.

“We have no choice but to increase the number of participants due to numerous requests for inclusion. Most of them are excited to test the challenges of the race in Oslob,” declared race director Benjoe Jimenez.

Jimenez also revealed that they have already put in place all the necessary preparations to assure a successful race. He revealed that he met with the municipal officials of Oslob last week who assured him of their all-out support.

“Andam na tanan. I just hope that the weather will cooperate. Maayo unta dili mu uwan,” said Jimenez.

As of press time, organizers were still worried because heavy rain poured and the waters were slightly rough. But they said the event will push through no mater what.

According to Jimenez, the bulk of triathletes are seeing action in the Standard division while the rest will vie in the shorter Sprint category. The Sprint category features 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run.

Suiting up in today’s race is John Philip Dueñas, the 2013 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Filipino Elite third placer and 37th Milo Marathon Cebu Leg 21k champion.

The male division has seven age categories while the female division has three.

The winning triathlete in both male and female divisions will take home P5,000 while the second placers will get P3,000. Third placers will pocket P2,000 while the top three age group finishers will receive specially designed medals. The top three Sprint category winners will also get medals.

The “Hunat Sugbo Triathlon” is organized by Parklane International Hotel which also organizes the highly successful “Hunat Sugbo: Dagan Para ni Maning.”