More than 500 triathletes showcased endurance, determination and drive over the weekend at Northern Cement Corporation’s Tigasin Triathlon. Local and foreign participants experienced a memorable race weekend with an unexpected turn of events, which was attended by more than 2,000 spectators and guests.
The event included an open water swim last Saturday morning, which was replaced by a run due to bad water conditions. “Our primary concern is everybody’s safety. We have been closely monitoring the waters, and with consultation with the Philippine Coast Guard and Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), we decided not to push through with the open water swim to ensure everybody’s safety,” says Mikey Chua, race director of Trisports Solutions Inc.
Aside from being sanctioned by TRAP, another addition to the fourth Tigasin Triathlon is the clean-up at the Lingayen Beach. Participated by athletes, organizers, locals, and the event sponsors’ staff, this activity provided an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of the environment. “We’re glad that part of the sport tourism campaign of Tigasin Triathlon is to acknowledge the accountability of our natural resources. It helps both local and foreign tourists have a greater appreciation of our province,” says Malu Elduayan, senior tourism officer of Pangasinan.
Aside from being sanctioned by TRAP, another addition to the fourth Tigasin Triathlon is the clean-up at the Lingayen Beach. Participated by athletes, organizers, locals, and the event sponsors’ staff, this activity provided an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of the environment
On race day, all participants were ready to conquer Lingayen for the sprint and standard distance triathlon event. With calm waters and a sunny weather, the race commenced at 6am with the swim leg at the Lingayen Beach. Triathletes from different ages proved themselves to be certified tigasin as they completed the race with the expected hot weather conditions. Clark Castro, a Tigasin Triathlon veteran, was very happy with his overall performance during the race. “I was able to get a personal record, and for me the race course and the overall experience is definitely a memorable one.”
First-timer Jingo Bautista of Lueco Tri Team enjoyed the race course above all. “Biking through the coastline was an amazing experience. It feels like I am racing with nature. Not only will our team come back but will definitely recommend it to others as well.”
“We congratulate all participants and organizers. We are grateful for the support of the local government units in making the event a success,” says Gladys Taguba from Northern Cement Corporation, who also joined the run event. “They have truly surpassed this challenge, which marks another successful year of celebrating progress and unity through sports,” Taguba adds.
Tigasin Triathlon is presented by Northern Cement Corporation, with the support of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, headed by Gov. Amado Espino III. The event was also made possible by their marketing partners, Neptune Actives, the official Philippine distributor of Funky Trunks and Funkita, Clara International Skin and Body Center, provider of the Face of The Race promo winner, Anytime Fitness Cubao and Uptown BGC, Pangil Beach Resort, 2XU Philippines, Light N’ Up Marketing, and media partners Multisport.Ph, ABSCBN, GMA 7, Business Mirror, iOrbit News Online, GNN TV 44 Pampanga, RW 95.1, Flagship Newspaper, Sunstar Pampanga, Sunstar Baguio, Philippines Graphic, Pilipino Mirror, Health and Fitness and EAST Studios.
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