As the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld unfolds this Sunday in the heart of Mactan, Cebu, a powerful mix of grit, talent and determination will be on full display.

But beyond the pursuit of top honors across multiple age categories lies a far greater prize — a rare opportunity for Filipino triathletes to compete on the sport’s grandest stage — the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

The event, staged at the world-class Mactan Newtown race course, offers 35 qualifying slots each for men and women in the age-group division, reaffirming IRONMAN’s global commitment to gender equality in sports. These coveted berths provide local athletes not only a shot at international prestige but a life-changing experience of racing alongside the world’s best in one of the most iconic and scenic triathlon destinations.

Nice, set to host the championship for the second time since 2019, boasts a demanding yet breathtaking course along the French Riviera — making qualification a dream for any aspiring triathlete. For many Filipino age-groupers, earning a slot represents not just athletic achievement but a milestone of personal triumph, a culmination of sacrifice, discipline and years of hard training.

Meanwhile, the big racing weekend begins today with the 2GO Reyna Bulakna Run, a 5-kilometer fun run celebrating women empowerment and Lapu-Lapu’s rich history.

With the international triathlon calendar rapidly filling up, the Lapu-Lapu leg has grown in stature as a gateway for Filipino athletes to step onto the world stage.

As the event marks a new decade of IRONMAN racing in Cebu, it welcomes competitors from over 50 countries, all vying for glory in a grueling test of endurance — a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run set against a vibrant backdrop of Cebu’s coastal and urban terrain.

The event, organized by Sunrise Events Inc. and backed by The Mactan Newtown, features a stellar international pro roster, including 2023 runner-up Sam Osborne from New Zealand and elite Australian contenders Caleb Noble, Calvin Amos, Brett Clifford, Josh Ferris, Tomasso Puccini and Nicholas Free, along with Kiwi ace Mike Phillips.

The women’s pro division is led by Samantha Kingsford, also from New Zealand and Australian Paige Cranage, who bring a powerful blend of experience and youthful energy to the elite field.

The excitement isn’t limited to the pros.

In addition to age-group divisions ranging from 18-24 to 75-and-above, the event also features relay categories — all-male, all-female and mixed — encouraging broader participation and camaraderie. Special divisions like the Bagong Bayani category and Open class highlight the race’s inclusive and community-centered spirit.