Bohol’s Sandugo triathlon draws record participants
PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL—As part of Bohol’s vibrant Sandugo Festival this July, the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Bohol and Sunrise Sprint return to Panglao, drawing a record-breaking 850 participants.
Now the largest 5150 distance triathlon in the Philippines, the event on Sunday was a major highlight of the province’s monthlong celebration of history and unity.
With its crystal-clear waters, scenic coastal roads and strong community spirit, Bohol has proven to be the ideal venue for world-class races like this. The event brings together athletes from across the country for a unique blend of competition and island charm.
The Olympic-distance 5150 race includes a 1.5-kilometer (km) swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run. For new and short-distance racers, the Sunrise Sprint offers a 750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run. Participants competed solo or as relay teams in the 5150, while the Sprint was for individuals.
Since it started in 2020 with 400 participants, the triathlon had grown with some 800 athletes taking part in 2024.
This year, the activities began on July 11 with the athlete check-in and expo at The Bellevue Resort.
“As we celebrate Sun Life Philippines’ 130th anniversary, our commitment to health and wellness shines brighter through platforms like the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, chief client experience and marketing officer of Sun Life Philippines. “This event embodies our purpose of helping Filipinos live healthier lives—one stroke, one pedal, and one stride at a time.”
Perfect setting
Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events, said Bohol’s stunning coastline makes it the perfect starting point for the 5150 season.
“Sun Life 5150 Bohol has become such a special tradition for the triathlon community, laid-back but competitive, scenic but challenging. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to race, reconnect, and soak up the island triathlon experience,” Galura said.
This year’s race also featured the Bagong Bayani category, honoring elite Filipino endurance athletes who have represented the country globally. The fastest male and female finishers in this division each received P10,000.
Cebu’s Matthew Justine Hermosa and Karen Manayon clinched top honors in the Bagong Bayani category.
Hermosa delivered a stunning all-around performance to emerge as the overall champion and Bagong Bayani male champion, finishing the Olympic-distance race with an unofficial time of 2:02:45. Manayon earned the title of Bagong Bayani female champion, clocking in at 2:27:39.
In the Age Group category, Ines Santiago topped the women’s division, finishing first with an unofficial time of 2:34:56.
The Sun Life 5150 Bohol is part of the Bohol Sandugo Festival and is cohosted by The Bellevue Resort and the province of Bohol, with support from the municipalities of Panglao and Dauis, which serve as official partners for the bike and run courses.
