SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Persistent rain and difficult race conditions forced organizers to convert the 2026 Asia Triathlon Para Championship Subic Bay into a duathlon, but did not stop athletes from seven countries from competing in the championship.
The decision to modify the race was made after organizers assessed the prevailing weather and course conditions, putting the safety of the participating para athletes ahead of the original triathlon format.
Athletes from Japan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Korea and the Philippines took part in the competition, with several foreign participants facing difficult travel conditions on their way to Subic Bay Freeport. Some reportedly spent as long as 12 hours traveling from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, navigating flooded portions of the North Luzon Expressway.
Despite the delays and inclement weather, the athletes arrived in Subic Bay Freeport and proceeded with the modified competition.
Japan emerged as one of the strongest-performing delegations, taking several championship titles across the different classifications.
In the PTS2 women’s category, Japan’s Yukako Hata topped the field, followed by India’s Shashruti Vinayak Nakade.
Uzbekistan’s Rustamjan Satiboldiyev won the PTS2 men’s category, with India’s Ashish Kumar Singh placing second and Korea’s Jin Hong Kim third.
Japan secured the top two spots in the PTS4 men’s category, with Hideki Uda taking the championship and Keiya Kaneko finishing second. The Philippines’ Alex Silverio placed third.
In the PTS5 men’s category, Japan’s Keiichi Sato won, followed by compatriot Takumi Ando. Uzbekistan’s Bakhtiyor Murtazayev finished third.
Uzbekistan also took the top two places in the PTS5 women’s category, with Shokhsanam Sobirjonova winning and Kamolakhon Akhmatkhonova placing second.
Japan’s Ryota Kashiki B2 topped the PTVI men’s category, followed by Kyrgyzstan’s Zhalaldin Abduvaliev B1 in second and Japan’s Kiyoshi Hanamure B3 in third.
In the PTWC women’s category, Japan’s Shiori Funamizu H2 claimed first place, while Kyrgyzstan’s Sezim Meimanbaeva H1 finished second.
The competition brought together athletes, technical officials, race marshals, medical personnel, police escorts, coaches, volunteers and event staff who worked to ensure that the modified race was conducted safely and fairly despite the weather conditions.
Organizers said the race conversion allowed the championship to proceed while reducing risks associated with the prevailing conditions.
The event was supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), presenters NTT, Philippine Sports Commission and Pinay in Action, and event supporters Gatorade, Western Guaranty Corporation, Subic Travelers Hotel and Terraces Hotel.
Race operations were handled with the support of Raceya for registration, Jay Cheng/CM Timing for race timing and Engine 8 of Olongapo City for emergency medical services.
Organizers also recognized TriPhil President Tom Carrasco, Technical Delegate Daisuke Iguchi, and World Triathlon Paratriathlon Facilitator and Consultant Neil Mac Leod for their roles in the conduct of the championship.
The successful staging of the event came after days of preparations amid unfavorable weather, requiring organizers and race personnel to make operational adjustments while maintaining competition standards and athlete safety.
Despite the weather and travel difficulties, the participating para athletes pushed through with the competition, completing the modified course and providing a strong display of determination and resilience.
The 2026 Asia Triathlon Para Championship Subic Bay concluded with athletes from across Asia completing the modified event, with organizers crediting the athletes, officials, volunteers and support teams for ensuring that the championship proceeded safely despite the challenging conditions.