GUIMARAS – The country’s brightest U-23 triathlon standouts are set to battle for supremacy as Erika Burgos, Joshua Ramos, Kim Remolino and Matthew Hermosa spearhead a powerhouse Filipino elite field in the inaugural 5150 Triathlon Guimaras on Sunday, signaling a high-stakes showdown on the island’s demanding Olympic-distance course.
Members of the national elite U-23 team, the four rising stars banner the premier race featuring a grueling 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike, and 10-kilometer run across a newly mapped championship layout designed to test both strategy and stamina.
More than just medal contenders, Burgos, Ramos, Remolino and Hermosa embody the future of Philippine triathlon. Their presence is expected to intensify competition in the Filipino Elite division while inspiring the next generation of endurance athletes.
Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the elite category highlights the government’s sustained drive to develop grassroots and high-performance sports programs nationwide.
The race also blends sporting excellence with tourism promotion, as Guimaras continues its push to establish itself as a premier endurance sports destination.
Adding prestige to the event is a strong international cast, with athletes from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Guam, India, Ireland, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom competing in age-group divisions ranging from 16 to 69.
Race weekend will also feature the Sunrise Sprint (S2) Guimaras – a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run – catering to newcomers and speed-oriented competitors seeking a shorter but intense challenge.
Relay competitions in the men’s, women’s and mixed divisions are likewise expected to showcase top triathlon clubs from across the country.
Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with the Province of Guimaras, the 5150 Triathlon marks a milestone in the island’s rise as a triathlon and endurance sports hub, merging elite competition, grassroots participation and tourism-driven growth in one landmark sporting spectacle.
With full backing from the Provincial Government and local stakeholders, organizers are confident the event will deliver a safe and electric competition that could cement Guimaras’ status as the country’s next premier endurance racing venue.
The course itself promises no easy victories. The swim start unfolds at the scenic Playa de Paraiso on the island’s eastern coast, before athletes tackle undulating bike and run routes that demand tactical discipline and sustained power – terrain that could separate contenders from pretenders.
The 5150 Guimaras and Sunrise Sprint Expo Open begins Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Joaquin James Pavilion at Playa de Paraiso Beach Resort, followed by the final race briefing on Saturday and a welcome dinner hosted by the province.
Race day begins early Sunday, with the Sunrise Sprint rolling start at 6 a.m. The sprint swim cut-off is 30 minutes, with a two-hour bike cut-off from the last rolling start and a two-hour and 45-minute run cut-off.
The 5150 Guimaras age-group and relay rolling start fires off at 6:30 a.m., with a one-hour swim cut-off, three hours and 30 minutes for the bike, and five hours and 30 minutes for the run./PN
