DAVAO CITY — After years of waiting, the region of Mindanao gets to stage a top caliber triathlon competition as Davao City hosts the 2018 Alveo Ironman 70.3 set tomorrow here.
According to Sunrise Events chief Wilfred Uytengsu, the competition has been staged in parts of Luzon and Visayas, but this marks the first time that Mindanao is holding the event.
“This is our 10th year anniversary with Sunrise and now that we’re here in Mindanao, Ironman is truly in the Philippines,” Uytengsu said yesterday during a press conference at Azuala Cove.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said that Uytengsu has approached her regarding the possibility of hosting the event in the past, but it was only this time that they are staging the event.
“I have been wanting to do this (Ironman) since my first term in 2012,” Duterte-Carpio said. “I’m very happy and we – the Davaoeños – are very excited for the next three days.”
The daughter of the President likewise assured that security is not an issue considering that the local government has made the necessary preparation with the help of the region’s Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The event already started with the 5k run IronGirls around the Azalea Cove yesterday, while the IronKids is set today, while the main swim-bike-run event is scheduled tomorrow.
At least 1,800 participants from 39 countries are vying in the first Mindanao Ironman, including Australian Tim Reed, the World Ironman titlist in 2016, Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez and Bradley Weiss of South Africa, the Xterra world champions in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and three-time Ironman winner Craig Alexander.
Others vying are equally talented women triathletes Anna Eberhardt of Hungary and Dimity Lee Duke of Australia in this event backed by 2Go Express, Powerade, Wilkins Pure Purified Water, Sportswear, TYR, GU, Aboitiz Power, Davao Light, David’s Salon, Intercare, Davao Metro Shuttle, Prudential Guarantee, HyperHD on Cignal, AsiaTri.com, FinisherPix, TriLife and The Philippine STAR, Alaska, AlcoPlus, ApoAgua, Cetaphil, Daylong, Devant, Fern-C, Penong’s Barbecue Seafood and Grill, Sanicare, Storck, Timex, Seda, Park Inn, Waterfront, Marco Polo and Active Network. (MB)