By Helen Castaño, I. Inojales | 02:12 PM July 13, 2025
PANGLAO, BOHOL — Against the stunning backdrop of Panglao’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Cebu’s Matthew Justine Hermosa and Karen Manayon emerged as champions in the newly introduced Bagong Bayani category of the 2025 Sun Life 5150 Bohol, held Sunday, July 13, at The Bellevue Resort.
Hermosa delivered a powerhouse performance to clinch the titles of Overall Champion and Bagong Bayani Male Champion, finishing the Olympic-distance triathlon in an unofficial time of 2:02:45. His segment times were equally impressive: 19:37 in the 1.5KM swim, 1:00:36 on the 40KM bike, and 38:02 in the 10KM run.
In the women’s division, Manayon proved her mettle by claiming the Bagong Bayani Female Champion title with an unofficial finish time of 2:27:39, logging consistent efforts in all segments—21:04 (swim), 1:12:06 (bike), and 49:06 (run). Her performance cements her position as one of the country’s fastest-rising triathlon stars.
The Bagong Bayani category, launched this year, honors elite Filipino athletes who have represented the country on the international stage. As part of their win, both Hermosa and Manayon will receive ₱10,000 each.
The 2025 edition of the Sun Life 5150 Bohol saw a record-breaking 850 participants, making it the largest 5150-distance triathlon in the Philippines. The event, along with the Sunrise Sprint, marked a vibrant return, celebrating athleticism, camaraderie, and community over a festive three-day affair beginning July 11.
The Olympic-distance 5150 race challenged participants with a 1.5KM swim, 40KM bike ride, and 10KM run, while the Sunrise Sprint, tailored for beginners, featured a 750m swim, 20KM bike, and 5KM run. Both races showcased the natural beauty and unique terrain of Bohol, offering athletes a scenic but demanding course.
Beyond the race itself, events like the 5150 Bohol further boost the province’s profile—not just as a Unesco Global Geopark, but as a premier destination for sports tourism, bringing economic and social benefits to the local community.
