La Paz, Leyte promotes tourism through triathlon event

BURAUEN, Leyte, April 14 (PNA) -- The sleepy town of La Paz will unveil its tourist destinations through a triathlon event on May 14, exploring the natural wonders of Leyte mountains.

La Paz town tourism officer Mary Ann Riza Quiña said the 15-kilometer triathlon will start at Mahagnao Volcano National Park in Burauen town and will end at the town gymnasium in La Paz.

From the starting point, participants will swim for 500 meters in Mahagnao Lake, trek for 6.5 kilometers in the mountains and bike for eight kilometers from Bocawan village to La Paz town center.

The 6.5-kilometer hike will pass through Calabato hot spring in La Paz town.

The local government is targeting to invite at least 20 teams.

At least Php22,000 cash prizes are at stake --Php10,000 for the champion, Php7,000 for the second place and Php5,000 for the third place.

Each team is composed of three members, men, women and mix 18 years old and above and 18 years old and below brackets. Each team member will have to pay a Php700 registration fee for meal, water and shirt.

“Through this triathlon event, we want to show to tourist that we have our destinations and we are part of the Mahagnao Volcano National Park,” Quiña said.

A triathlon is a multiple-stage competition involving the completion of three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines.

Situated 1,200 meters above sea level and surrounded with Leyte’s natural wonders, the Mahagnao Volcano and National Park is listed as one of the protected areas (category III) identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Category III consists of small protected areas with high visitor value. (PNA)

LDV/SQM