Now in its second year, the event, presented by TRYP by Wyndham Samal, has grown to become the biggest 5150 race weekend in the Philippines for 2026, reflecting the continued appeal of destination racing among both Filipino and international participants.
Set against Samal’s tropical coastline and island roads, the weekend brings athletes, families and supporters together for a race experience that combines competition with travel, local culture and Filipino hospitality.
On Sunday, Damosa Land 5150 Samal athletes will take on the Olympic-distance challenge consisting of a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run, while Sunrise Sprint participants will race a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run, providing a shorter-distance pathway into multisport racing.
Strong International and Local Field
Participants representing 14 countries will be part of race weekend, with athletes from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, France, Greece, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States coming together in Samal. DownloadInteractive Maps
Complementing the international field is a strong Filipino delegation, underscoring the growing local appeal of 5150 and shorter-distance multisport events. The strong turnout from athletes across the Philippines demonstrates how destination races can give local participants an international-standard racing experience while introducing them to different destinations around the country.
The event will also feature the Philippine Sports Commission-supported Filipino Elite Category, which throughout the 2026 season has provided homegrown athletes with an additional platform to race, develop and compete alongside a strong field of participants.
Racing in Samal as part of the Filipino Elite field are Earl James Ting, Edgie Arances, Anisha Eunice Caluya and Al-rasheim Saggap.
Samal also serves as the final event of the 2026 Filipino Elite initiative, bringing the season-long program to a close on Sunday.
Final Stop of the 5150 Islands of the Philippines DownloadInteractive Maps
The weekend also marks the conclusion of the 2026 5150 Islands of the Philippines campaign, a four-race journey that began in Guimaras on March 8, continued to Camiguin on May 3 and Bohol on July 12, before arriving in Samal for its final race on September 20.
The campaign was created to encourage athletes to experience different Philippine island destinations through sport, combining racing with travel, culture and community.
A group of athletes committed to completing the entire four-race series has now made its way to Samal for one final challenge. Those who successfully complete the journey on Sunday will receive special 5150 Islands Series recognition, including a commemorative coin holder and Finisher Shirt celebrating their achievement across all four island races.
Bridgeport by Damosa Land and TRYP by Wyndham Samal at the Heart of Race Weekend
At the centre of the weekend is Bridgeport by Damosa Land, serving as Athlete Village and Race Central for Damosa Land 5150 Samal and Sunrise Sprint.
The race partnership with Damosa Land brings together sport, tourism, community and destination development, while TRYP by Wyndham Samal, the event’s Presenting Sponsor and Damosa Land’s newest development on the island, adds another dimension to the destination experience for athletes and visitors.
Race weekend extends beyond Sunday’s triathlon. The Coral Dash 5K Island Run on Saturday welcomes runners, supporters and visitors for a fun run that celebrates Samal’s island character. Costumes are encouraged, adding colour and a festive local atmosphere to the weekend.
Samal Strengthens Its Sports Tourism Appeal
With more than 1,100 participants taking part across the weekend, the second staging of Damosa Land 5150 Samal highlights the potential of endurance sport to bring athletes, families and supporters into a destination while creating opportunities for local communities, businesses and tourism stakeholders.
The strong turnout from Filipino participants is an important part of that growth. Alongside the international field, the local delegation demonstrates how events such as the 5150 and Sunrise Sprint can build participation in multisport while encouraging athletes to travel and race within the Philippines. DownloadInteractive Maps
Beyond the course, Samal offers visitors an opportunity to experience the island’s beaches, coral gardens, waterfalls, marine attractions, inland trails and other natural destinations, creating a race weekend that extends well beyond the finish line.
As the biggest 5150 staging of 2026 and the final race of this year’s Islands campaign, the Samal weekend brings the season full circle, connecting athletes through sport while showcasing the destination to participants from the Philippines and around the world.
Race Day takes place on Sunday, September 20, with Bridgeport by Damosa Land serving as the centre of the action.
Photos: Samal LGU