The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is set to become a global sporting stage this weekend as it hosts the 2025 5150 FAB Triathlon. The international event will see more than 300 elite and amateur athletes from across the world converge on the province for a demanding test of endurance.
A Global Gathering of Athletes
Representing a diverse field of 15 countries, competitors from Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, the Philippines, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom are ready to take on the challenge. This significant participation underscores the event's growing prestige on the international triathlon circuit and its success in putting Bataan on the global sports tourism map.
The Challenge of the Course
The main event features the grueling 5150 distance, which begins with a 1.5km swim in the waters of Camaya Coast. Athletes will then transition to a demanding 40km single-loop bike course that ascends through the scenic but challenging Bagac-Mariveles Road and onto the Roman Superhighway. The final leg is a 10km two-loop run course that culminates at the FAB Gym.
As a two-transition race, participants will check in their bicycles at Transition 1, located at Camaya Coast, and their running gear at Transition 2 on Visayas Avenue within the Freeport. To facilitate movement between these points, a dedicated T1–T2 shuttle service will be available for all registered participants on race day, November 16.
Adding to the weekend's festivities, the FABulous Run is scheduled for Saturday at 5 PM. This event features a single-loop, counter-clockwise course around Luzon Avenue within the Freeport, offering a more accessible running experience for the community and visitors.
Event Logistics and Community Impact
Essential pre-race activities include Athlete Check-in, Kit Claim, and the Athlete Expo, all held at the AFAB Administration Building in Mariveles. The crucial Official Race Briefing is set for Saturday at 2 PM at the FAB Auditorium.
Administrator Hussein Pangandaman of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) emphasized the event's broader significance. He stated that the triathlon reflects a shared vision of promoting Bataan as both an economic and sports tourism hub, bringing world-class athletes to their shores and showcasing a commitment to wellness and community pride.
Echoing this sentiment, Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events, Inc., expressed pride in their continued partnership with AFAB. She described the course as a challenging yet rewarding mix of open roads and scenic views, serving as a fitting finale to the 2025 triathlon season that celebrates both endurance and camaraderie.
The athlete roster is packed with local and international talent, including IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship finishers like Mervin Santiago, Paolo Sauler, Reujen Lista, and Vanessa Agdon. They will be joined by podium finishers such as James Van Ramoga, Kim Mangrobang, and Erika Burgos, as well as homegrown Bataan athletes like Cha Cruz, an AFAB Port Operations Specialist, and King Ivan Reyes of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
For those new to the sport, the Sunrise Sprint (S2) will also be held on the same day. This shorter distance, comprising a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run, is perfectly designed for beginner triathletes or seasoned competitors looking for a fast and fun season-ender.
The 5150 TRIATHLON BATAAN & SUNRISE SPRINT is proudly supported by AFAB and Camaya Coast as the Host Venue. The event's success is also bolstered by partners including Amlan, ION+, the Philippine Sports Commission, Sal+Fin, Sante, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, and media partner Sportograf. The race is organized and produced by Sunrise Events Philippines.
