WHAT truly differentiates millennials from the older generation of baby boomers and Generation Xers is that they want to do more. Millennials are young. They are curious. They are vital and alive. They won’t be satisfied with just watching. They need to be part of the action as well.
Take a look at triathlon, one of the fastest growing sport in the world and especially in local shores. The sport has experienced an explosive growth because millennials are not just watching triathlon races but are actually joining in.
New adherents of the sport include fitness enthusiasts looking for a new challenge that will extend them to their limits. Then there are Gen Xers looking to recapture their youth after seeing images of triathletes their age or even older than they are competing in the sport.
But the biggest percentage of triathlon enthusiasts are millennials looking to do something that will hold their interest and fascination in an activity that will fully engage their youthful physiques.
High-powered, modern executives are increasingly turning from golf to triathlon as the sport of choice. The multi-discipline race comprises of a swim, bike and a run leg. Three different disciplines are incorporated into a grueling athletic competition that appeals to driven, motivated people who are used to clawing their way to the top.
A long distance run, an intense prolonged game of basketball or any extended physical activity releases stress-relieving endorphins that reward participants for their work an sacrifice.
Triathlon, a three-sports-in-one paradigm, requires a higher level of commitment and perseverance which in turn gives participants that higher level of satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment.
And not talked about, but the high cost of equipment and comparatively expensive joining fees ensure that participants are often similarly inclined high-income earners which means a triathlon event provides the best networking opportunities for entrepreneurial, corporate or social interaction.
The millennial generation includes children born between 1982 and 2002. These are individuals who are in college and in the workforce. This is the generation that will replace the baby boomers. This is the generation that is increasingly embracing triathlon.
Triathlons are so popular that races are regularly held all over the Philippines. The races range from the world class Cobra Ironman 70.3 and Xterra races organized by Sunrise Events to other races not as well organized and held in provinces for participants who are just as enthusiastic as those participating Ironman 70.3 or Xterra.
As far as local triathlon races are concerned, the Cobra Ironman 70.3 is the gold standard. It is actually more than just race. It is an event to be experienced.
To join you have to pay the registration fee and join online. The race is so popular that 2,500 slots were sold out in four hours by participants coming from 45 countries worldwide in their past race. Over 500 others wanted in and settled to be included in the waitlist.
The race is in Cebu. The swim starts at the beautiful Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa beach with its crystal clear water. The bike ride traverses four cities, showcasing urban Cebu. The run is along the roads of Punta Engano with 100,000 townsfolk lining the route cheering every single participant.
Triathlon has indeed come of age in the Philippines. Participants are categorized into age groups so that no one holds an unfair advantage because everyone competes against those of similar age.
And to make triathlon even more accessible the races even have a competition for relay teams with a different person racing in each of the three parts of the race. A good swimmer takes the swim part, another person rides on the bike and the best runner finishes the triathlon race in the run part.
The sport is engaging, ubiquitous and accessible. It’s not really surprising that millennials are turning to triathlon as their sport of choice.
