5150 launch. Officials and organizers hold a press conference in Camiguin to share details on the upcoming Ironman 5150 Triathlon Islands Series 2026, including race routes, registration, and tourism preparations. The briefing underscored Camiguin’s readiness to host the world-class event, which will gather athletes and visitors from across the globe on May 3, 2026. (Photo: RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Camiguin gears up for Ironman 5150 triathlon
By: Recthie T. Paculba
CAMIGUIN — Camiguin is preparing to host the 5150 Triathlon Islands Series 2026, an international event that will bring athletes and visitors to the island on May 3, 2026.
Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., said the event aims to promote sports tourism and generate local economic activity.
“We want to promote sports tourism. We want to boost the economy of the whole venue. People come with their families. They spend time in the hotels. They spend on food. They have to eat. They’re triathletes, right? They buy souvenirs. They buy pasalubong. So, it’s a total injection of new money for the venue,” Galura said.
Galura said past Ironman events in Cebu and Davao generated significant tourism revenue, with participants spending an average of USD 3,000, including airfare, lodging, and local purchases.
“Aside from race, it’s the experience before and after. How was the food? How was the welcome? How did they get there? That’s how the Ironman people are,” she said.
The 5150 Triathlon features a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride, and 10-kilometer run. The course is part of a national circuit that includes Guimaras, Bohol, and Samal.
Galura said Camiguin’s landscapes, waters, and community support make it suitable for the event.
“Camiguin is beautiful. It believes in sports tourism and has the right ingredients—accessibility, infrastructure, and hospitality—to stage an event of this caliber,” she said.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said hosting the event will help establish Camiguin as a destination for adventure and wellness tourism.
“One of the most exciting milestones for Camiguin will be our hosting of the Ironman 5150, the first-ever international triathlon to be staged on our island in May 2026. It’s a truly historic moment for us and a proud achievement for every Camiguingnon,” he said.
Romualdo said the event provides a global platform to showcase Camiguin’s capacity to host international competitions.
“Hosting the Ironman 5150 is a bold step forward, and it proves that even a small island like ours can rise to the occasion, meet global standards, and leave a lasting impression on the world’s reach,” he said.
Registration opened Oct. 15 through the Ironman website at https://www.ironman.com/races/5150-camiguin. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
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