Vet Santiago heads men’s FAB 5150 field

World Championship veterans Mervin Santiago and Nicole Andaya will spearhead a crack and seasoned field seeing action in the inaugural 5150 Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Triathlon, set to light up the scenic coastal hub of Mariveles, Bataan, on Sunday.

A consistent top-three finisher among Filipino bets in the Ironman World Championship, Santiago brings star power and experience into the first-ever staging of the event that has drawn a huge participation.

Andaya, a winner of the historic 5150 Dapitan last year, headlineS a deep roster of elite and age-group contenders eager to test their mettle on a challenging new course that blends competition, beauty and endurance.

Paolo Sauler, another World Championship finisher, Claudine Mendiola, Reujen Lista, the coach known for producing champions, and Vanessa Agdon, a multitime worlds qualifier, are also entered in the Olympic-distance 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run event.

Festive prelude

Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with the Freeport Area of Bataan, the 5150 FAB marks a major milestone in the province’s growing reputation as a rising triathlon and endurance sports hub. The province’s blend of challenging terrain, pristine waters and world-class hospitality makes it a natural fit for high-caliber multisport competitions.

The action begins on Saturday (Nov. 15) with the FABoulous Run at 5 p.m., a festive prelude event looping around Luzon Avenue within the Freeport, before triathletes dive into the crystal-clear waters of Camaya Coast the following morning.

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Beyond the elite contenders, the 5150 FAB will also welcome participants across a wide range of age categories (16-69), underlining its commitment to inclusivity and the growing passion for triathlon in the region.

In the men’s Open division, expect a spirited battle among Joshua Lao, Larry Lanot, Isiah Alvarez, Raymund Torio, Joseph Hipolito and Jayrold Garcia, while Micah Resos, Mary Jane Cantago and Jean Therese Carpio headline the women’s Open side.