In 2005 the Verde Island Passage was declared as the World's Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity (California Academy of Science).

Perpetually under threat from overfishing, industrial operations, and pollution, the quiet beachside municipality of Lobo Batangas has shown the foresight to nurture more sustainable, environmentally responsible sources of income. Such as sports tourism. Because what happens in Lobo, happens to the Verde Island Passage.

This will be the 6th year of Swimjunkie Challenge at VIP Lobo, and the Verde Island Passage is now a Hope Spot - internationally recognized as a place critical to the health of the ocean.

RACEDAY: May 19, 2024

DISTANCES:

• 5km Swim
• 2.5km Swim

Registration Fees

2.5 KM SWIM:

• P3,600 (early registration)
• P3,900 (regular registration)
  
  

5KM SWIM:

• P5,300 (early registration)
• P5,800 (regular registration)

Other things to prepare for:

Accomodations: Race headquarters is at Punta Malabrigo Beach Resort (not open for bookings, exclusive to officials and safety crews).

Endorsed resorts are listed below and are grouped by Premium, Modern, and Budget - to help you make your booking decisions. Premium resorts have bigger floor areas, tended grounds etc; Modern resorts are relatively new, with new facilities; Budget resorts are clean, older, and small mom & pop style.

Walking distance resorts are now over 60% booked.

START TIME:

6am (2.5Km & 5Km)

CUT-OFF TIME:

9:00 am for all distances

The race course is an out and back swim from Punta Malabrigo beach to a turnaround raft by the Malabrigo Sanctuary.

Every 200m there are lookout rafts with marshals and divers. Swimmers can hold onto the rafts to rest, but climbing onto the raft will result in a DQ.

One out and back loop is 2.5km. Two loops to make 5km.

There are no lane lines.

9am (3 hours) for both distances.

* If you are (at most) 200m away from the finish, you will be allowed to complete the swim.

The race starts at 6am. One mass start.

Premium:

AQUA FRONTIER: (13-14 min drive) brand new resort

PUNTA VERDE (26 mins drive)

SUBMARINE GARDEN RESORT (26-28 mins drive to race venue)

Modern:

CERCA PAROLA (3 min walk - only 2 Family Rooms left! )

LA BIEN (3 min walk)

D2GO (8-10min walk)

Budget:

NEW LIFE (8-10min walk)

More Budget and Modern resorts to be added to the list - all a (15min to 25min drive away).