The Race-cation Guide to Racing in Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines

By Pedro Lazo March 2, 2023

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Clark Freeport Zone, located in Pampanga, Philippines, is a popular destination for race-cations, where athletes combine their love of racing with a vacation. With its world-class facilities and convenient location, Clark Freeport is a great destination for duathlons, marathons, and pool-based triathlon races. It is also an hour ride away from Subic Bay, which is considered the triathlon mecca of the Philippines.

Clark Parade Grounds at nighttime-image by Borj Meneses/Clark Communications

Here’s a guide to racing in Clark Freeport for your next race-cation:

Choosing your Race

Clark Freeport Zone hosts a range of races throughout the year, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for you. The most popular races include the Clark Duathlon Classic, Clark Animo International Marathon, New Clark City Duathlon, New Clark City Triathlon, TriFactor Philippines Duathlon and Asia’s toughest and longest duathlon race, Titan 77.7 Philippines. Make sure to check the race website for information on registration fees, course maps, and other important details.

Getting there

Clark Freeport is easily accessible from Manila and other major cities in the Philippines. It is a quick 80–90-minute drive from northern Manila.

The Clark International Airport is located within the Freeport, making it a convenient option for international athletes. Clark International Airport now has flights from Singapore, Incheon, Korea, Taipei, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Macau. Moreover, domestic flights now include Caticlan, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro starting in April, while the Puerto Princesa route will begin in June.

Moving around the freeport is easy with taxis all around the freeport. If you want to walk, run or bike around the area, Clark is a safe-haven for runners and bikers as it has its own exclusive run and bike path lanes.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options within Clark Freeport, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the most popular options include the Quest Plus Conference Center and Royce Hotel. The major hotels are also a walking distance away from the most popular dining destinations and cafes.

Royce Hotel and Casino-image by Borj Meneses/Clark Communications

In the TriFactor Philippines Duathlon and Titan 77.7 Philippines duathlon race, the race hotel Quest Plus is a walking distance away from the event venue.

Make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Racing in Clark Freeport

One of the most popular duathlon events in Clark is the Titan 77.7 Philippines, which is held annually in September. The race features a 4km run, 100km bike ride, and a finishing 21km run, and attracts participants from across the Philippines and beyond. Titan 77.7 is considered as the toughest and longest-distanced duathlon race in Asia. The event is a great way for athletes to test their endurance and compete against other like-minded individuals in a friendly and supportive environment.

Located in the heart of Central Luzon, Clark offers a unique mix of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for duathlon racing. The freeport’s wide roads, fresh air, well-maintained trails, and rolling hills provide an excellent backdrop for runners and cyclists of all levels.

Sightseeing and Things To-do in Clark

Whether you came in alone or with friends and family, there is plenty of things you can do post-race in the freeport.

For history enthusiasts, Clark offers several historical sites that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. One such site is the Clark Museum and 4D Theater, which houses artifacts, the American Base history and displays the evolution from a military base to a sprawling commercial and industrial freeport. Visitors can also explore the Nayong Pilipino Clark, an open-air museum that features replicas of various historical landmarks and structures from across the Philippines.

For nature lovers, Clark is home to several parks, zoo and recreational areas that offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The Clark Freeport Zone, a sprawling complex that spans over 4,400 hectares, boasts of several parks, including the Clark Picnic Grounds and the Clark Parade Grounds. Visitors can also take a relaxing stroll through the Clark Nature Walk and Bird Sanctuary, a lush, forested area that is home to various species of birds and other wildlife.

Clark Parade Grounds Jog Path-image by Borj Meneses/Clark Communications

For adventure seekers, Clark offers several thrilling activities, including ziplining, hot air balloon rides, and ATV rides. For those looking for a more laid-back experience, the city’s numerous golf courses, such as the Mimosa Golf Course and the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino, offer an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend a day.

Where to Eat

Clark is also a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Visitors can sample local delicacies, such as sisig, a popular Filipino dish made from chopped pig’s face and ears, or try international cuisines from all over the world.

With Pampanga being the culinary capital of the Philippines, and if you want to try the local cuisine, Clark has Matam-ih Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine and Binulo Restaurant to offer. Korean pop-culture is also prevalent in Clark with the presence of various Korean-inspired coffee shops and Korean restaurants near the Clark Parade Grounds. If you want to try American-inspired meathouse restaurant, then House of Chops has a lot of meaty options to offer.

One of the iconic commercial stall near Parade Grounds is Cycles and Brew. It is a bike shop and also dabbles as a coffee shop, a breakfast place and a bistro bar. If you are going to race in Clark and would like some bike-related services, this shop is the right place to go.

Finally, for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Clark boasts of several shopping centers, including the SM City Clark and the Clark Freeport Zone’s Duty-Free shopping complex. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion brands and luxury items.

image by Borj Meneses/Clark Communications

In conclusion, with its excellent facilities, fair and challenging courses, and stunning natural scenery, Clark Freeport Zone has become the mecca for duathlon racing in the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there’s a race in Clark that will challenge and inspire you. So pack your running shoes, hop on your bike, and head on for an unforgettable race and vacation experience. With proper planning and preparation, your next race in Clark Freeport Zone is sure to be an unforgettable race-cation experience.

For international travel, Clark International Airport is inside the Clark Freeport Zone, and is just 10-15 minutes away from hotel partners.

Flights available via CRK Airport:

- Singapore via Jetstar and Scoot
- Taipei via EVA Air
- Tokyo (Narita) via Cebu Pacific
- Bangkok via Cebu Pacific
- Macau and Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific
- Dubai via Emirates
- Doha via Qatar Airways

Domestic Flights via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines