1st Siargao Adventure Race Set For October 4 to 6

It’s more than a race, it’s an adventure!

In line with Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas' thrust to promote Siargao as a Sports Tourism destination, the municipality of Santa Monica will be hosting the 1st Siargao Adventure Race on October 4 to 6.

According to Santa Monica Mayor Rosalinda Penera, the race will be a one-day racing series of various disciplines such as mountain biking, off-road/trail running, trekking and fishermen’s boat paddling which will take the participants to the different tourist spots of the town.

The race is expected to gather 60 competitors. They will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic view of the town, passing through its coastal areas, mangrove forest, hills, caves, and white sand beaches.

Also according to Mayor Penera, as a highlight of this year’s ‘Araw ng Santa Monica” celebration, the race aims to promote Santa Monica as an alternative tourist destination in Siargao Island.

It also aims to develop responsible ethics among outdoor enthusiasts and cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Conservation of the coastal environment is also given emphasis through a unified effort of coastal clean-up and mangrove planting, Penera added.

Winners of the race will receive a total prize of Php100,000 and medals while non-winning participants who clock-in before the designated cut-off time for each category (beginner/master’s) will also receive Finisher’s medals for conquering the race course.

It will be a 3-man team with a registration fee of P1,000, inclusive of full-board meals, events shirts, and transfers within the island.

The race will start from the town’s port area and end at Alegria white beach.

Other highlights of the 3-day event also include Budols Fight, Sapao-Sapao Festival, Agri-Aqua Fair, Coastal Clean-Up, mangrove Planting, Launching of Life Saving Games, and Santa Monica Discovery Tour.

The event is organized by the municipality of Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte, provincial government of Surigao del Norte, First district of Surigao del Norte, Philippine Surfing Federation in partnership with the Department of Tourism and sponsored by the San Miguel Corporation. (Nora CL Molde/PIA-Caraga)