IRONMAN 70.3 marks milestone

The IRONMAN Philippines celebrates a milestone 10th anniversary staging of its 70.3 triathlon series in Lapu-Lapu City on 21 April, featuring a diverse and international roster of competitors, all vying for the overall championships in the men's and women's divisions.

Over the years, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has evolved into a highly prestigious event, drawing the country's leading athletes and emerging talents, along with the top triathletes from around the world.

The IM 70.3 will unfold across a challenging 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-k bike and 21-k run course.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan has expressed excitement about hosting the event, which also features competitions in various age categories, emphasizing the unique opportunity to present the city's top sites and adventures while heralding its status as a premier destination for sports and adventure.

"Lapu-Lapu has played a crucial role in the success of the IM 70.3 in Cebu over the last decade," said Chan. "We are thrilled to welcome participants from around the globe to our shores once more, offering them an unforgettable racing experience."

Lapu-Lapu, known for its pristine white-sand beaches on Mactan Island, also offers an abundance of water activities such as para-sailing, jet skiing, diving and island hopping, making it a paradise for tourists. It is also buzzing with resorts and rich cultural sites.

The country's triathlon scene has witnessed remarkable growth since hosting its first international race in Camarines Sur in 2009. The IRONMAN series, in particular, has become a hit, attracting up to 3,000 athletes from across the globe to its Cebu event since 2012.

Following a brief hiatus in 2020-21 due to the pandemic, the series made a triumphant return in 2022 with Augusto Benedicto and Ines Santiago claiming the overall honors in the Megaworld IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines in Mactan Newtown.