Puerto Princesa City, situated in the renowned Last Frontier of the Philippines, is topping the charts as a preferred destination for travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The city's growing popularity is further boosted by hosting numerous sports tournaments, establishing itself as the recognized "Sports Capital of the Philippines."

Relentless. Exceptional. Indomitable. That's the spirit of Puerto Princesa, showcasing top-notch sports events including marine activities such as kite-boarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana-boat rides, tube riding, and hookah diving. The city is also a consistent host of the "Motocross Masters of Asia," featuring the Philippine leg of the FIM UAM Asian Motocross Series, Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix, Thai Riders, Pinoy Riders, Mountain Bike XC Challenge, and Boxing Eve "Hamon sa Puerto Princesa."

Puerto Princesa understands that sports and tourism are interrelated and complementary driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of the city as an attractive tourism destination. It continues to boost its tourist arrivals by hosting and organizing more sporting events.

Gathering strength, determination, and a sea of endurance: Participants unite for the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa 2023, capturing the essence of the long-distance triathlon journey in a single frame.

The city is blessed with natural resources and landscape to hold excellent mass-participation events such as triathlons and marathons, mountain bike and motor cross races, beach volleyball, and other water sports competitions.

“Talagang naka-project na ang Puerto Princesa sa sports tourism. Syempre yung hinahabol nating sports tourism yung mayroong international flavor,” City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron said. Mega sports events such as Ironman and dragon boat festival can be catalysts for tourism development in Puerto Princesa if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic, cultural, and social benefits.

IRONMAN 70.3 PUERTO PRINCESA-ASIA TRI-CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

The second year of the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa - Asia Tri-Club Championship, the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and strength, capped off the Philippines' triathlon season. It was successfully held in Puerto Princesa on November 12.

A total of 523 foreign and Filipino triathletes from 38 countries participated in the amazing race. Satar Salem (4 hours, 22 minutes, and 25 seconds) and Leyann Ramo (5 hours, 2 minutes, and 56 seconds) both of Tri SND Barracuda dominated the top overall age group for the male and female categories, respectively.

China’s Junyu Cao finished the race in second place at 4:23.13 while Dutch Olympian Eric Van der Linden rounded off the top three finishers in the male category with 4:24.41. Ramo’s teammate Lyllian Grace Banzon trailed her at second place in 5:29.23 while American Catherine Wood completed the top three in the women’s side with the time of 5:36.26.

Tri SND Barracuda of Lanao del Norte netted the country’s top triathlon squad a whopping P500,000 purse put up by Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

The competition was divided into three segments: a 1.9-kilometer swim in Puerto Princesa Baywalk, a 90-kilometer bike ride through the city’s southern part, and a 21.1-kilometer run. The grueling course covered 113.0 kilometers, or 70.3 miles.

Ironman 70.3 participants rushing from Puerto Princesa Bay

 

City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron expressed his gratitude to the organizers, participants, and spectators for their support for Ironman 70.3. He also showed confidence that the competition will be successfully held again in the city next year as more local and foreign delegates are expected to attend.

THIRD LEGENDS RIDE 2023

The city understands that one of the most popular ways to experience a destination is through a sports event. It allows sports enthusiasts as well as tourists to better engage with local people, nature, and culture.

That happened when about 200 local and visiting riders participated in the 3rd Legends Ride 2023 held on November 18 in Puerto Princesa. The sports activity is part of the successful Subaraw Biodiversity Festival 2023.

From the starting point at Caltex Junction 3, the riders of different groups from all over the country, led by the Tamilok Motorcycle Group, marched together. The other participants were the Big Bikes, Palawan Street Monkeys, Himass Motorcycle Group/Hijos, United Sports Bike of Palawan (USP) and others on small bikes.

The route took the legend riders to Puerto Princesa landmarks such as the Montible Junction, Napsan at the Villa Francesca Resort in Simpocan, the Tala Beach Resort and straight to the Tennis Covered Court of the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex, inside Balayong People’s Park.

“Thank you very much for bringing the Legends Ride to our city. Because you enjoyed it, you will definitely come back here. You are always welcome here in Puerto Princesa City,” said City Mayor Bayron at the fellowship dinner at the Tennis Covered Court as he congratulated the organizers, riders, guests, and sponsors for the successful holding of the Legends Ride 2023.

Jun Diagono, president of the National Federation of Motorcycles said they are very happy with the success of Legends Ride 2023. He set two goals in going to Puerto Princesa City: first was to unite all the big bikes clubs in the Philippines; and second, to invite various groups to the National Motorcycle Convention on April 26-27, 2024, at the Subic Bay Convention Center.

Diagono also convinced Puerto Princesa City bike legend Edward Butch Chase to hold the national convention in the city next year. He also promised to bring LMFI’s 54-member bike clubs to participate in the upcoming event, including the Federation of Bikes Club based in Mindanao.

At the awarding, the youngest rider was Blu Andre Rausa, 19 years old; and the oldest rider was Bob Del Rosario, 74 years old. The Most Organized Group is Evo Riders Club Philippines and Biggest Group is Palawan Street Monkeys. A Special Citation was given to Philip Dulatas as the overall chair of the event, and a Certificate of Greatest Appreciation for the support of William Genato, Naj Abdul, and Elroy John “Clink: Hagedorn. The Living legend award was given to Edward Butch Chase.

The other participating groups were the Legends Ride are Binuang, GBC, Bandits, Baghawi Rider Club, Bundakan Motorcycle Club and Widows Son Masonic Riders Association. 2ND INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL 2023

The 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival 2023, held on November 19, attracted teams from Chinese Taipei, Manila, Cebu and Siargao which competed in the just-concluded 200-meter event. From this series of international activities, it has been proven that it is possible to raise the level of programs and activities in Puerto Princesa.

Strength, strategy, paddling speed, and teamwork were the advantages of the 'paddlers' who won the championship in the final competition. They showed the audience a breath-taking fight. Everyone wants to get away and no one wants to be left behind. So even on a sunny day, the applause and screams from the audience were loud and clear.

In the Women’s Category, the Alliance of Masters from Manila won the championship; 1st runner-up is the Philippine Titans – Manila; Fire Dragons A is 2nd runner-up – Manila; and Rampage is 3rd runner-up – Manila.

In the Men’s Category, Mr. Canoe from Chinese Taipei won the championship. Followed by Philippine Titans in second place, Dagun Pilipinas A in third place and Alliance of Masters in fourth place. The battle in the Mixed Category was also uneventful where the Siargao Dragons from Surigao del Norte proved that they deserve to be champions. The Alliance of Masters placed second; Hongkong China Canoe took third place followed by SAG-1 from Manila in fourth place.

In the Masters Category where those aged 40 and above were given the opportunity to show their skills, the Sugbo Mighty Dragons from Cebu became champions; followed in second place by the Alliance of Masters; Rampage in third place; and Blue Phoenix from Manila in fourth place.

Praise and admiration were showered on the leadership of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation, or PCKDF, for taking the lead in organizing the international sports event in the city. Also heavily praised were the efforts shown by Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron in the tremendous success achieved by the municipal government for the competition.

“It was not easy but we know that we can win these big international events of ours. Of course with the support of department heads, city hall employees and the citizens who are there to support what we do. And even the organizations that trust us for big events. I am very grateful,” said City Mayor Bayron. “Please also expect that there are many more activities to look forward to that will definitely make the city recognized by the whole world not only for its eco-tourism wealth but also to become famous as the Sports Tourism Capital of the Philippines!”

Triathlon is an adrenaline-pumping activity that combines swimming, cycling and running in one event. It’s a popular sport in the Philippines, thanks in large part to celebrity triathletes who not only promote the sport to the general public but also make it look easy and fun to do. In reality, however, first-time triathletes need 3 to 6 months of preparation to finish the race without injury or burnout.

Press Release
Last year's top-4 in the mens' race will once again be on the startline to fight for the win at KMD Challenge Copenhagen - the biggest iron distance race in Northern Europe and second largest in the Challenge Family.

KMD Challenge Copenhagen has developed into the biggest annual sports event in Denmark and one of the biggest iron distance events in the World. The 2,000 athletes, the over 150,000 spectators and the beautiful course in the heart of a major European capital make this a giant event.

Almost sold out for iron distance event - triathlon party 3rd year in a row KMD Challenge Copenhagen only has a few slots left this year and 2,000 athletes will start the race from the lagune with a 3,8 km swim at Amager Beach Park, head through Copenhagen and north at open roads and rolling hills on the two looped 180 km bike course before heading out on the marathon course by the Copenhagen habour front where 150,000 spectators will create a true triathlon party.

KMD Challenge Copenhagen has developed into the biggest annual sports event in Denmark and one of the biggest iron distance events in the World. The 2,000 athletes, the over 150,000 spectators and the beautiful course in the heart of a major European capital makes this a giant event.

"Iron distance triathlon is very special and has an energy and a soul like no other sports. The combination of some of the fittest athletes in the World competing alongside 'ordinary' people makes iron distance triathlon a tale of big performances and personal victories and is a place for the big emotions and life changing experiences. When all the emotions, the suffering, the tears and the personal fights are unveiled at the finish line is a unique place to be and magic appears again and again," Thomas Veje Olsen says.

Fast, Danish runners wants to top the podium The men's race have top-4 from last year back fighting it out for the win in the Copenhagen streets. Only two minutes separated all four men last year but is was Aussie Tim Berkel who snathed his second consecutive win only 35 seconds in front of Dane Jimmy Johnsen. The two had battled out a nerve wrecking final run shoulder to shoulder, testing each others limits late in the run before Berkel broke away on the final few kilometers to take the win. Jimmy Johnsen was second and took home the Danish Championship title while Croat Dejan Patrcevic took 3rd just in front of the fast runner, Mads Vittrup-Pedersen who clocked a race best marathon of 2:38:59.

The Danish favorites is once again Johnsen and Vittrup-Pedersen with Berkel and Patrcevic are among the international favorites along with the runner up from 2010 Keegan Williams and Joseph Spindler. Can Berkel three peat or will on of the Danes finally be able to take top honor in the biggest race in Denmark? Both Johnsen and Vittrup-Pedersen are fast on the bike and can run the marathon in the low and mid 2:40'ies. With Vittrup-Pedersen's 2:38:59 is a course record Johnsen managed a 2:44:01 last year.

In the women's race two-time champ Rebekah Keat will not defend her title. The pre race favorites must be: Diana Riesler and Edith Niederfriniger.

The race climaxes in front of the Danish Parliament Building at around 3pm Sunday August 12.

Fun Triathlons are very popular The 'Fun Triathlon' KMD 4:18:4 has been organized since 2010 for those who wanted to try out a short distance and it was an immediate success. This year more than 3.000 will try the sport of triathlon in KMD 4:18:4 in the days leading up to the iron distance race.

"Danes have really embraced the sport of triathlon the last three years. Last year 2,000 Danes tried triathlon in KMD 4:18:4 and we expect 3,000 this year. A 50 % increase in participants really show how popular triathlon has become and with 5,000 athletes competing in the triathlon events this setup is one of the biggest in the World," Race Director Thomas Veje Olsen says.

Triathlon in Denmark this August: - August 12th: Iron distance race KMD Challenge Copenhagen (3,8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42,2 km run). - August 9th and 10th: 'Fun Triathlon KMD 4:18:4 (400 meter swim, 18 km bike and 4 km run).

Last March 30, Spyder, the brand that brought top-quality and high-performance multisport (swim-bike-run) and motorcycling gears in the country, launched its sumer season campaign for a more exciting, super active and healthier summer activities with Spyder-Charge Your Summer 2012.


Spyder hosted the week-long Spyder-Charge Your Summer 2012 mall event where newbies are introduced to the discipline of multisports by offering the highest quality of products to choose from. A wide variety of items like helmets, shades, eyewear, and other protective gears, accessories and products to enable a fun-filled engagement.

The event featured a series of activities to invite the interest of mall-goers. A range of activities including hourly raffles, photo-ops on standees and photowalls, and trivia games were held throughout the whole week to spice up the event. Spyder-charge was conducted against a stage resembling a mountain beach resort to capture that summer ambiance and I think they sure did a pretty good impression with the mall-goers because most of them are taking a second look whenever they passed-by.



Aside from the Spyder products on sale from March 26 to April 1, enthusiasts were also introduced to motorcycling, cycling, and running clinics. Though we weren't there when this things happens it's sure great to know that they made something like this. The clinics were held in partnership with Safety Riders, Team manager of the Philippine Cycling team for SEA Games Edmund Mangaser, and three-time ultramarathon champion and Best Female Triathlete nominee Michelle Estuar, respectively. That was just too bad not to meet them and have some good tips and perhaps guide if we were to pursue triathlete.


Also, it was the conclusion for the Spyder-Charge Your Summer Blogging Contest, as they award to the top three winners of the said contest. Cash prizes and premium items from Spyder and sponsors were given to the winners. The top blogs were featured on the Team Spyder website and the grand prize winner won Php50,000.00 cash prize and an all-expense paid beach vacation for two courtesy of Spyder. Two of the top winners weren't their to claim there winnings so two blogger friends just went on the stage to claim in their behalf.



Spyder also introduced their Spyder Assist Program for the benefits of the Riders. This program offer extra protection to motorcycle riders in partnership with the nation's leading insurance company, Standard Insurance.

This covers the...

1. Personal Life Insurance, covering loss of life or disablement of up toPhp100,000.00
2. Medical reimbursement of up to Php5,000.00 for accident related injuries, including moto-related accidents .
3. Crash replacement policy for damaged helmets during major accidents resulting in damage to the helmets.

These benefits under Spyder Assist are available only with every purchase of any Spyder motorcycle helmet, and are subject to terms and conditions set in the policy.

The Spyder Assist Card may be purchased from authorized dealers together with the purchase of any Spyder motorcycle helmet at a very affordable price of Php150.00. With just this small amount your life will be secured. To register the coverage, the scratch code on the Spyder Assist card must be logged on to www. teamspyder.com/spyderassist. A copy of the policy will be sent via email.

If you have more question about the Spyder Assist Program just visit their site www.teamspyder.com/spyderassist or just simplycall their hotline at 02-8451111.

Spyder-Charge Your Summer is an event of Spyder Helmets and Optics and sponsred by Skechers Go run, No Fear, Gatorade, Sun Cellular, Kawasaki, All Terra Cyclery, and supported by Total Fitness, Multisport, One Sport, Inside Racing, and Weekend Warrior Magazines, takbo.ph, swimbikerun.ph, motorcyclephilippines.com, clickthecity.com, and juice.ph