Subic Bay gains recognition as superb triathlon venue

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — An internationally-circulated sports magazine has cited the Subic Bay Freeport as an outstanding venue for world-class racing events.
According to the July-August issue of TriMag Asia, “Subic Bay, the Philippines with its interesting course and friendly atmosphere is increasingly getting a reputation for top notch races.”
The magazine featured two big triathlon events held here in May and June, respectively – the 2012 K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon and the first 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon.
Both sporting events saw more than 1,400 foreign and local triathletes competing in the professional and amateur categories.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo welcomed the magazine’s recognition of Subic Bay’s growing popularity as a sports destination, particularly for triathlon and other racing events.
“With our widely varied and scenic terrain and well-maintained roads that run through hilly and winding routes, as well as through our central business district, we definitely offer a unique and challenging course for racing events,” he said.
According to Marcelo, the 5i50 Century Tuna Triathlon, for instance, started in the deep portion of All Hands Beach here and took participants of the bike leg to the airport runway and several uphill climbs toward the Naval Magazine area. Meanwhile, runners had to make a break to the finish line via Subic Golf’s rain forest and the main highway of the Freeport.
Marcelo said that participants of both triathlon events found navigating these courses a thrilling and challenging experience. They also  enjoyed the support of the community, which gathered along the route to cheer the participants.
Meanwhile, SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia expressed optimism for the future of sports tourism in Subic Bay, after successfully hosting both international triathlons here.
“We are surely gaining ground as far as sports tourism is concerned and we’re very proud to have hosted these two big events, both of which have brought in a lot of foreign athletes,” Garcia said.
He added that with the recognition that the Subic Freeport is now reaping in the sporting world, the Subic agency looks forward to delighting more sports competitors and organizers in the years ahead.
“We will continue to promote Subic as their best bet for triathlons, marathons, biking and all other sports events,” Garcia added.