13/04/2026
๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ท๐๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ ๐จ๐ฝ ๐ฆ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ณ๐๐น๐น๐
The Swimjunkie Challenge San Vicente, co-presented by the Municipality of San Vicente, Hotel Elizabeth Resort & Villas, TIEZA, and BYD Alabang, successfully concluded yesterday, with all race categories (2KM, 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM) conducted as scheduled under favorable weather and sea conditions.
Among the 418 registered swimmers, a 74-year-old participant successfully competed in the 10KM category, while the youngest participant, aged 9, emerged as the overall winner in the 3KM category, highlighting that the event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels.
The Swimjunkie Challenge is an open-water swimming series participated in by both local and international swimmers. For 2026, San Vicente, as Swimjunkieโs newest destination, is among the four host locations, alongside Caramoan, Camiguin, and Batangas. In preparation for the San Vicente leg, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on 11 September 2025 by the executives of Hotel Elizabeth Resort & Villas, JB Multisports, the Municipal Government of San Vicente, and Swimjunkie Swimming Inc.
Supporting the successful staging of the event, TIEZA, a partner agency of the Municipal Government in the promotion and sustainable tourism development of the San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (SVFTEZ) through the implementation of its Tourism Master Plan, is among the major sponsors. Its support affirms a shared commitment to advancing open-water swimming in the Philippines, an emerging sport that promotes Philippine destinations, encourages fitness, and advocates for the preservation of marine environments.
As a form of marine sports, the Swimjunkie Challenge aligns with the tourism products identified in the Department of Tourismโs National Tourism Development Plan. It is likewise consistent with the development framework for the Long Beach area of the SVFTEZ, which highlights the potential for Leisure and Entertainment, Adventure and Marine Sports, and Sun and Beach tourism products.
Following the return of the final swimmer to shore, participants gathered for a post-race meal (boodle fight) and awarding ceremony held at Hotel Elizabeth Resort & Villas.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all partners, co-sponsors, participants, and the volunteers (both on water and on land) for their vital role in the eventโs success.
