The short-course 5150 Subic Bay is a tournament for triathlon beginners, families, and friends
Ironman has announced that the 5150 Subic Bay Philippines, an annual introduction race for triathletes, has been moved to Oct. 24, 2021. The short-course tournament is a companion event to the Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay race and is dubbed the tournament for triathlon beginners, families, and friends.
“In what has been a continually evolving and challenging time globally, we recognize that the postponement may come as a disappointment but look forward to providing athletes with an exceptional race experience in the future,” states the press release.
Another race scheduled to take place in October 2021 is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint. The Sunrise Sprint is a short-distance race for amateur triathletes that features a 750-meter open-water swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and five-kilometer run. The new dates for the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint are on Feb. 23 (Davao), July 11 (Bohol), and Oct. 24 (Subic Bay).
Expect new changes in race protocols
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) released its COVID-19 prevention guidelines for event organizers that outline what races could be like once they resume. Most proposed recommendations intend to reduce handshakes and hugs and sharing of steam rooms or saunas. Ironman CEO Andrew Messick told Triathlon that each country will handle their races differently.
In the Philippines, expect triathlon races like the 5150 and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint to take social distancing seriously. This means athletes could be required to stay four meters apart from each other and avoid face-to-face contact. According to triathlon coach Don Velasco, triathletes will have to adjust training indoors as well. He says that local race organizers could possibly host smaller triathlon events and impose daily testing prior to the race.