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SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Despite the heavy torrential rain that clattered on the roof of the venue, Spartan Philippines represented by their race coordinator Mike Reyes together with SBMEI (Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc.) co-founder Scott Sharpe and SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) Chair & Administrator Amy Eisma opened the press conference for the Spartan Trifecta Weekend at Camayan Beach.
The two-day event which is scheduled for September 15 and 16, will feature all three signature Spartan courses (hence the Trifecta name): Sprint, Super, and the much awaited Beast race – which will be held for the first time in the Philippines.
Mike Reyes related that Subic Bay Freeport has long been considered as a destination for the Spartan race. With its picturesque scenery and remarkable terrain strewn about with both man-made and natural structures, he said that the Freeport perfectly suits its role as the venue for the finale of the months-long Southeast Asia leg of the Spartan Race. He also disclosed that he is very much looking forward to how the racers will react to the course and gave assurance that it will be something that Spartans will enjoy.
As the representative for SBMEI’s multiple brands (Ocean Adventure, Camayan Beach, and Adventure Beach), Scott Sharpe expressed his appreciation for the amount of support he has received from the SBMA. Earlier in the week, the joint team reviewed the proposed route for the race which will originate from Camayan Beach. Together with representatives with various SBMA Offices and Departments, the organizers also thoroughly discussed the arrangements they have to set up to ensure that all considerations (traffic issues, parking, accommodation, ecological, logistics) are taken care of.
Atty. Eisma conveyed her gratitude to Spartan Philippines for choosing Subic Bay Freeport as the venue for the Trifecta Weekend. With over 5,000 participants expected to partake in the race, the whole event serves to solidify Subic Bay’s role as the endurance sports capital of the country.
While she had no plans to join the race, she related her and her office staff’s penchant for organizing and running through their own Obstacle Course Races (which they did just the previous week at the tennis center). According to her, the experience is always reminiscent of her childhood play activities around her neighborhood.
In the end, she reminded the organizers that while she wishes for the success of the event and the enjoyment of the participants, safety must be paramount. With the monsoon season still at its height, she cautioned against the perils of holding an activity in inclement weather. The organizer thoughtfully agreed and assured her that the event can be rescheduled in such extreme cases and that there are emergency plans in place.
After the press conference, representatives from Spartan Philippines, as well as registrants from the audience, ventured out of the function hall into the heavy rain for the free workout session. True to the Spartan spirit, the participants’ soldiered on and enthusiastically performed their drills despite the weather. It was a sight to behold and a preview of the activities for this coming September.