Aside from being the first 5150 Series in the province, this is also the first and in-so-far only installment of the Ironman series to have monetary rewards all courtesy of the city government.

A total of Php. 870,000.00 was at stake for 22 categories in the triathlon, with Php. 175,000.00 going to the first male and female finisher of the race each.

To add to the novelty of the event, the city also invited 23 elite athletes who have all represented the Philippines in international races and made their marks in the triathlon scene to join the competition in the “Bagong Bayani” category.

The Bagong Bayani included the likes of Kim Mangrobang, Fer Casares, Rambo Chicano, Maynard Pecson, and Bea Quiambao.

Aside from the P175k prize for the first placers for the overall competition in the male and female categories, the first placers for the Bagong Bayani category will also receive a Php. 40,000.00 reward each.

For newbies who weren’t as confident joining the 5150, the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint offered the shorter alternative with its 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run.

“There are many strong athletes in Mindanao, and we are looking forward to discovering in Dapitan some emerging stars in the field,” said Jeremy Go, Powerball Vice President for Marketing whose company has supported the Sunrise Sprint for many years.

The city also held a costumed fun run the day before the official competition.

Aptly called “The Noli Run”, the friendly race featured locals and visitors alike in Spanish-Era costumes paying homage to Dr. Jose Rizal by referencing his work.

The Noli Run was 4km long with a registration fee of Php. 650.00. There was also a Php. 20,000.00 reward for Best Costume awardees.

Bagong Bayanis Fernando “Fer” Casares and Kim Mangrobang were the first male and female finishers of 5150 race, each earning the Php. 175,000.00 cash prize on top of the Php. 40,000.00 they will receive as the first finishers under the Bagong Bayani category. (RVC/EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)