IM 70.3 Lapu-Lapu gears up for fast race; Ironkids up

Pros vying in the men’s and women’s division of the centerpiece event in the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu pose with officials of the host city and the organizing The IRONMAN Group during yesterday press conference of the premier endurance race in Mactan,. Cebu. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines: With innovative enhancements in the swim leg and a captivating bike route along CCLEX, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu promises to be a thrilling, fast-paced event when it is fired off tomorrow (Sunday, April 21) in Mactan, Cebu.

Meanwhile, the rising stars of Philippine triathlon clash in a test of speed and endurance in the IRONKIDS firing off today (Saturday) at The Reef Island Resort.

The aquathlon event, which drew 254 youngsters aged 6-to-15, aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the youth. Competitors will vie for titles in various age-group categories, ranging from 6-8 to 13-15 years old, in both individual and mixed relay divisions.

The 6-8 age group will complete a 100m swim followed by a 1km run, while older participants in the 13-15 category will face a 250m swim and a 2km run. Relay events will also feature shorter distances suited to each age group.

The event, sponsored by RLC Residences, not only showcases budding talent in the sport but also serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld and the Mactan Newtown.

Race officials are ensuring not only a test of physical endurance but also a journey of personal triumph in the challenging 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21k run race.

Departing from previous setups, the swim leg will now feature color-coded buoys for improved navigation – yellow for outbound, orange for return, and red for key turns, accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning.

The bike route, including the 8.9km CCLEX (Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway) bridge, guarantees a fast yet demanding course, reminiscent of the 2022 efent. The closing run stage, on the other hand, offers a vibrant, festive atmosphere, boosting the spirits of the triathletes as they sprint towards the finish line.

Amid the expected intense competition, however, the heat factor emerges as a silent but powerful influencer, capable of tipping the scales between triumph and disappointment.

The organizing IRONMAN Group continues to innovate, providing athletes with new challenges and exceptional racing experiences.

The premier endurance race will start and end at the Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, hosting 14 and 13 female professionals, alongside close to 1,400 participants across various age categories.

With the return of the elite pros and the new racecourse conditions, winning times are expected to surpass previous records.

The event also features a relay category and promotes female participation and offers 45 age-group qualifying slots, along with additional 15 berths, dedicated to promoting female participation, for the World Championship slaed Dec. 14-15 in New Zealand.

Highlighted by prominent athletes such as Daniel Bakkegard of Denmark and Anne Reischmann of Germany, the race packs promise on both the men’s and women’s sides.

Additionally, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu is integration into The IRONMAN Group’s Season Pass and Flex90 offerings, boosting the athletes’ participation flexibility and race experience across Oceania and Asia.

Other pros vying for top honors are Australian Steven Mckenna, Taiwanese Tuan Chun Chang and South Africa’s Henri Schoeman (men’s), and Els Vissner of the Netherland and Dimity Lee Duke of Australia (women’s).

Backers of the event are Vinfast, Hoka, Roka, Breitling, Athletic Brewing, Hyperice, Maurten, Santini, AG1, Wahoo, Qatar Airways, Fulgaz, TriDot, Always Advancing, Nirvana, Compressport, Ekoi and Outside.