Giving its participants a new kind of multi-sport experience, New Clark City served as the host venue of its inaugural duathlon race held during sunset of May 6, which gathered more than 300 sporting enthusiasts to compete for a podium finish on the racing grounds of this world-class sport facility.
Organized by Super Series Philippines, in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the concept of a night-time race provided unique athletic challenges to the racers as they showcase the results of their training and preparation. Participants also had the chance to bask in the afternoon sun rays while being mesmerized by the majestic view of Sierra Madre mountain ranges and the architectural wonder of New Clark City.
“Having our first duathlon race on the background of New Clark City sunset is proof that we are prepared to host different track-based races. We are happy that the Sundown Duathlon is here in New Clark City. This will definitely bring a one-of-a-kind experience to both seasoned and first-timer athletes,” said BCDA Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Arrey Perez.
BCDA is the property owner and developer of New Clark City, a mixed-use complex located in Capas, Tarlac.
The Sundown Duathlon featured three race categories: standard, sprint and relay. The standard race is a 10km-run, 40km-bike, and 5km-run, while the sprint category covers a distance of 5km-run, 20km-bike, and 3km-run. On the other hand, the relay race has a distance of 10km-run, 40km-bike and 5km-run.
“We are proud to have introduced this new kind of multisport experience to the growing sporting community that are surely excited to hit the road and compete. And we thank BCDA for being an awesome partner in making the first Sundown Duathlon at New Clark City possible,” said Mr. Oliver Salas, Event Director of Super Series Philippines.
The fastest podium finishers for the sprint category were Mr. Jonathan Reyes (1 h 9 mins) and Ms. Alessandra Castaneda (1 h 24 mins). Meanwhile, Mr. Gabb Rosario (2 h 5 mins) and Ms. Kristine Bugna (2 h 31 mins) ruled the standard category (male and female) for having the fastest record feats among all age groups.
“Since our reopening last year, there have been a number of major competitive sporting events staged in our sports complex. We are very excited by the increasing public interest as this has been our goal since the beginning, that is to make New Clark City the top sporting destination of the country,” SVP Perez said.
New Clark City is also chosen as the official venue of three prominent international sports competitions slated for the last quarter of 2023.
Considered the first major sports center constructed by the national government since the completion of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in 1934, the New Clark City sports complex served as one of the centerpiece venues during the national hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The facility was reopened in May 2022 after the 2-year pandemic-driven lockdown and enforced restriction on public activities.