THE second staging of the Akkaw! Baler Cross Triathlon gets under way on August 27 in Baler, Aurora.
Although Baler has made a name for itself as a top surfing destination in the country, when the surf’s out, the exotic locale has now shifted to triathlon in hopes of making this provincial capital a sports tourism destination.
Akkaw is a local word that expresses delight or surprise.
“The ‘Akkaw Baler Cross Triathlon is a race that will get bigger over the next few years. We believe that, aside from the scenic locales in Baler, the course is challenging for triathletes. Last year we even included a hanging bridge as part of the run,” race organizer Malou Escasa said. “Although this year, we had to take it out because it is undergoing repairs. It however, remains challenging.”
Competitions will be in the Elite Open, Non-Elite Age Groups, Locals and Open Relay.
The course, as designed by national triathlon team Coach Melvin Fausto, takes the participants through a scenic swim-bike-run route from Sabang Beach to Labasin Street and Barangay Sabang.
Fausto will be assisted by Andy Manalo, Pedic Uychoco, Kat Fausto and Peydut Gutierrez.
The 750-meter swim race starts off on the shores of Sabang Beach, after which the challenging 38-km bike race takes athletes from the beachfront to rice fields, grasslands and rocky trails.
The 6-km run offers a variety of surfaces from the beach to the concrete roads and back to the finish line at Sabang.
“After the Akkaw Baler Cross Triathlon, the surfing season that takes place from September to February will take center stage. But now, it’s time for a different sport,” Escasa added.
Early-bird registration (https://race.ph/AkkawBalerXTri2017) is pegged at P1,500 with regular registration at P2,000 and a late-entry fee of P2,500.
For information about the race, call or text at +63 927-9617337 (Globe) or +63 908-3003300 (Smart) or e-mail akkawbalercrosstriahlon@gmail.com.