DAVAO CITY – Two thousand participants swarmed the Davao City Coastal Road as the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 kicked off Friday afternoon, August 9.
Women and women at heart, both young and old, wore their costumes with their run sash that delighted all spectators during the event dubbed “2GO Gwapa Dabawenya.”
Speaking to the media conference inside the IRONMAN Expo Tent at the venue on Friday, 2GO marketing manager Dale Carandang said the company aims to inspire and empower runners from all backgrounds as advocates for wellness and sports.
“We’re partnering with Sunrise and Ironam because we believe in their vision. We’re not limiting the Gwapa Dabawenya to women, but we also welcome the women at heart to participate in the run, wishing everyone to enjoy the event,” Carandang said.
The Gwapa Dabawenya Run is just the initial offering of the weekend festivities, with the IRONKIDS Davao duathlon race set Saturday, and the main spectacle IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday.
The triathletes will navigate through the new coastal highway, and will experience first-hand the modern infrastructure and significant developments that underscore the city’s growth and commitment to progress.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte welcomed all the athletes of this year’s IRONMAN sporting events. He said holding the event in the city for the fourth time truly brings prestige to the Davaoeños. He added that the city is thrilled to welcome back the organizers, honored guests, and athletes worldwide.