MARIVELES, Bataan — More than 300 athletes from 15 nations are set not just for a race, but for an adventure like no other as the 5150 FAB Triathlon fires off on Sunday at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

Organized by Sunrise Events Inc. in partnership with FAB, the event’s inaugural staging promises a reimagined racing experience — one that pushes athletes beyond their limits through a meticulously designed course engineered to test strength, stamina, strategy, and mental fortitude.

National team mainstays were initially listed to lend star power to the event, but all withdrew at the last minute. Three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang, along with Bea Quiambao and Erika Burgos, are now fully focused on their preparation and buildup for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand next month.

Still, the field remains talent-laden. IRONMAN World Championship (Nice) campaigner Harold Baco, WC Marbella competitors Paolo Sauler and Reujen Lista, IRONMAN Barcelona veteran Jojo Macalintal, multi-IRONMAN World Championship finisher (Kona and Nice) Vanessa Agdon, and Nicole Andaya, winner of the historic 5150 Dapitan in 2024, are all set to join the fray.

The route begins with a 1.5-kilometer swim at the pristine Camaya Coast, setting the tone for an event that marries natural beauty with demanding terrain. Athletes then take on a 40-km single-loop bike course that climbs through the Bagac-Mariveles Road — known for its long ascents and fast descents — before heading into the Roman Superhighway for sustained speed.

The race closes with a 10-km, two-loop run at the FAB Gym, a section that encourages tactical pacing on a flat yet deceptively fast course.

Represented nations include Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, the Russian Federation, Northern Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Philippines — further cementing the 5150 FAB Triathlon’s growing international footprint and reputation as one of the most scenic and competitive Olympic-distance races in the country.

The event also features the Sunrise Sprint (S2) — a 750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run race — perfect for beginners or athletes eager to close out their season with a fast, festive race.