The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) is set to become the venue for the renowned Ironman 5150 triathlon event, following a two-day 5150 FAB Recon held over the weekend.

According to Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman, hosting the event is a significant step toward positioning the FAB as a sports tourism destination.

He said the event, organized in collaboration with the IRONMAN Group’s Sunrise Events Inc., will place the FAB in the spotlight and serve as a litmus test for the Freeport’s capability to handle large-scale events.

“This simulation serves as the ultimate lead-up to the inaugural 5150 FAB Triathlon next year. We can expect the Ironman 5150 to have a scenic background, which is the lush and beautiful areas of Mariveles, Bagac, and Morong,” he said.

Pangandaman, Deputy Administrator Malou Herrera, and IRONMAN Group’s Sunrise Events Inc. President Princess Galura attended the press conference held at the FAB Administration Building on Saturday.

Galura explained that the triathletes started at Camaya Coast, which served as the course's starting point, and finished at the FAB Administration Building. The Recon officially began early Saturday morning.

“The invitational recon race consists of seven teams including Century Tuna Tri Hard, Sante Barley Triteam, Tri SND Barracuda, Fit PH, The Next Step Tri, Isabela Tri Club, and Go for Gold,” she said.

Simultaneously, the FAB Run, a five-kilometer fun run celebrating fitness, community spirit, and the joy of running, was organized to involve FAB employees and locators in the event.

“With its ideal blend of scenic coastal roads, lush greenery, and top-tier amenities, the FAB is being poised to become a premier destination for triathletes,” Pangandaman said.

At least 30 triathletes tested their endurance on the swim, bike, and run courses of the 5150 FAB Recon Race on Sunday morning.