RESULTS of Thursday’s water quality test done of the swim leg venue at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, which was released Saturday morning, revealed that “the water is not currently suitable for recreational use”, according to an advisory posted by Sunrise Events-organized Penong’s 5150 Triathlon Davao Facebook page.
Penong’s spokesperson JJ Sarona confirmed this in a Facebook Messenger interview with SunStar Davao Saturday afternoon, July 6.
He said, “For the swimming course, there were a series of tests leading to the race. The result of the last test conducted Thursday came out this morning. The test nearest to race day is most accurate and it is not suitable for recreational swimming.”
He also said water quality really changes depending on the date, location and temperature.
“Not only today, it might change for better or worse next week or next month. It’s not always like this. Based on the recent test results, it’s not suitable,” he said.
Organizers, through the advisory, underscored that after a consultation with city health officials, “We have decided to cancel the swim leg having the safety of participants as our utmost priority.”
Swimmers who joined the relay category, according to him, could opt to run instead in the run-bike-run duathlon race set Sunday, July 7.
Originally, the Olympic distance course includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40K bike and a 10K run. Sans the swim, the new 5150 course will now have a 2.5K run, 40K bike and 10K run.
For the Sunrise Go for Gold sprint event, from the 750m swim, a 20K bike and a 5K run, the new distances are 1.25K run, 20K bike and 5K run.
However, Sarona added no refunds will be made despite the development as registration fee is non-refundable. “It happens in races around the world,” he added.
Veteran swimming coach Vasit Venturillo, who was supposed to swim for the Tapang and Malasakit team of lawywers Maneses Carpio and Elijah Manuel Pepito, said he will do the first run instead.
On the swim leg cancellation, he said, “It’s quite unfortunate for this incident to happen but our primary concern is the safety and health of athletes.”
Seasoned triathlete and Ironman 70.3 regular Stax Savellano, for his part, “Sayang lang kasi if ever na walang swim it’s not already a triathlon. Iba kasi sana ang thrill at ang hype ng may swim.”
A total of 471 participants signed up in the 5150 while 53 registered in sprint.