“Leg power is true power”

CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – Close to a thousand duathletes from all over the world witnessed and took part in one of the biggest events in duathlon in the entire world, the Powerman Duathlon Pilipinas inaugural race 2015. Held in this province last November 14 & 15, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bataan through the Bataan Tourism Council, this is the only Powerman race in Asia, after Malaysia in 2013.

Featuring the Powerman Classic distance of 10km-60km-10km as well as the short category with a 5km-30km-5km distance, Switzerland practically came to Bataan, with no less than Gael Le Bellec, 2 time Powerman Zofingen world champion, leading more than a dozen professional duathletes.

Representing the 1Bataan Team in the Short Category are Hans Reynaldo Camacho, Luis Carlo Feliciano, Carlo Gatus, Louie Carpio and Jelly Manansala who ended up in 3rd place. In the Classic category are Zandro Ducot, Eric Santos, George Salem, Jayson del Rosario Carlo Mallari and Harly Baguistan who bagged the 2^nd place. In the Powerkids category, Francis Eric Santos landed in 2nd place.

Usually deemed as a close cousin of triathlon (swim-bike-run events), only being a bit more “democratized”, the duathlon (run-bike-run) has more participants compared to the triathlon. Though generally more affordable and doesn’t need any body of water for training hence has lower entry needs, the duathlon is said to be a lot tougher yet more and more Filipinos are lured to take up this multisport.

John Raadshelders, International Powerman Association (IPA) President believes that duathlon has a huge potential in the Philippines.

Raymund Malaguyo, CEO & President of F&F International Events Group, Inc. said that the recently concluded Powerman Duathlon Pilipinas was not just an event but a comprehensive program, that pushes a more urbanized world to be less dependent on cars, to embrace biking not just as a lifestyle but as a more humane and responsible way of getting about.

He added, “duathlon is a race that everyone can take up. Like biking, running is second nature to everyone. Our dream is to see the sport grow, not just as another exercise option but more as a social statement. Leg power is true power”.