CAMARINES SUR — The 5150 Triathlon CamSur kicks off on Sunday here, transforming the long wait into a thrilling showcase of endurance and willpower among local bidders and triathletes from 11 countries.

The stellar field in both the men's and women's sides are eager and ready for a new racing experience featuring an Olympic distance course of 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run marking the sport's return to its original race destination.

The 5150 CamSur starts at 6:20 a.m. for the swim leg at the Lago del Rey, CamSur Watersports Complex, employing a rolling start. Participants have one hour for the swim leg, with a three-hour and 30-minute cutoff for the bike and a five-hour and 30-minute limit for the closing run stage.

The return of the sport to Camarines Sur promises fierce showdowns, with athletes like Jonathan Pagaura, Irienold Reig Jr., Emil Lorbes, Denz Velasquez, Ian Consunji and Nicolo Magadia expected to slug it out for top honors in the men's division.

In a riveting showdown for the women's crown, Southeast Asian Games champion Kim Mangrobang intensifies the competition, creating a three-way battle against formidable opponents Erika Burgos and Bea Quiambao.

Notably, Mangrobang emerged victorious over Burgos and Quiambao in the inaugural 5150 Dapitan last September, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch.

But Burgos and Quiambao, both former 5150 Bohol winners, are fueled by a strong determination to avenge their previous loss to Mangrobang, promising a compelling duel with the experienced trio showcasing their athletic prowess and strategic acumen.

International participants from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Bahamas, Bermuda, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Turkey and the Russian Federation add a global flair, competing across various age-group divisions from 15-19 to 65-69.

Beyond the core triathlon event, the 5150 relay features all-male, all-female and mixed teams, adding an extra layer of excitement.

The Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a sub-category event featuring a 750-meter, swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run, also features favorites Kim Remolino and Raven Alcoseba, both aiming to build on their recent triumphs in the National Age Group Triathlon in Subic.

Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte expressed his excitement after a 15-year wait for the return of IRONMAN with the hosts ensuring a unique racing experience set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Isarog.

Despite challenges, the hosts and the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events Inc. have made every possible effort to ensure the event's success.

Originally set for August 2023, the 5150 CamSur was re-scheduled due to unpredictable volcanic activity in Mount Mayon.