Young triathletes take center stage ahead of the elite as they clash in their own version of the swim-bike-run race today in the Alaska IronKids at the Azuela Cove in Davao City.
Over 200 youngsters vie for top honors in four age categories set to fire off at 5:40 a.m. for the premier 13-14 division with the 11-12 group scheduled at 6:40 a.m. to be followed by the 9-10 section at 7:20 a.m. and the 6-8 class at 8 a.m. Also on tap are relay category and the play long distance race.
The IronKids swim-bike-run has served as the Ironman 70.3 appetizer for years with the local junior version staged to promote a well-balanced lifestyle for kids and at the same time serves as venue for family bonding.
Ben Allen, a former Xterra world champion, and fellow Australian Tim Reed, the world titlist in 2016, head the elite roster of pros slugging it out in the grueling 1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run event highlighting the decade-long staging of Ironman races by Sunrise Events, Inc.
The Alveo Ironman 70.3 will also put into focus renowned artist Kublai Millan, who with the help of a community of T’boli brass casters, designed the medals to be given to all participants. (MB)