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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider IRONMAN 70.3 Davao qualifiers eye world stage in Nice

IRONMAN 70.3 Davao qualifiers eye world stage in Nice

Published Mar 20, 2026 12:16 pm

At A Glance

  • After a one-year hiatus, the highly anticipated race culminates on Sunday, March 22, offering 50 coveted qualifying slots for the Sept. 12-13, 2026 championship. For many local triathletes, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test themselves against the world's best and experience the prestige, intensity and thrill of racing in one of triathlon's most iconic venues.
The return of the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao marks more than just the revival of a premier endurance race – it opens a rare and prestigious pathway for Filipino athletes to compete on the global stage at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.
After a one-year hiatus, the highly anticipated race culminates on Sunday, March 22, offering 50 coveted qualifying slots for the Sept. 12-13, 2026 championship. For many local triathletes, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best and experience the prestige, intensity and thrill of racing in one of triathlon’s most iconic venues.
Slots will be distributed evenly, with 25 allocated to men and 25 to women across age-group divisions. Automatic entries will be awarded to top finishers, followed by the traditional “roll down” ceremony, where remaining slots are passed on – keeping dreams alive for those who may not initially make the cut but remain within reach of global competition.
Nice, long celebrated as a historic hub of triathlon since 1982, has built a formidable reputation in endurance sport. Having hosted multiple world championship events, including the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and recent full-distance IRONMAN titles, it continues to stand as a symbol of excellence, tradition, and elite racing.
Qualifiers will be treated to a spectacular race environment unlike any other. From swimming in the turquoise waters of the Côte d’Azur, to cycling through the scenic climbs of the Alpes-Maritimes, and running along the famed Promenade des Anglais, the championship offers not just competition – but a truly unforgettable global experience that many Filipino athletes can only dream of.
Back in Davao, more than a thousand triathletes from over 30 countries are set to compete in the grueling 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike, and 21-km run. Sponsored by BYD and presented by Aboitiz, the race also highlights the Open Championship and the Bagong Bayani Category, where members of the national team will showcase their talent in their side of the competition, while honoring individuals whose resilience, dedication, and service embody the true spirit of IRONMAN.
Participants from across the globe, including Australia, the United States, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain, will challenge a strong field of Filipino contenders. With a newly modified bike route adding complexity, athletes must carefully balance speed, strategy and endurance while battling Davao’s demanding tropical conditions.
The event forms part of a broader push by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Council, alongside the Philippine Sports Commission and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, to position the Philippines as a premier destination for endurance sports in Asia.
Organized by Sunrise Events Inc. in partnership with the Davao City government, the race weekend is more than just a single competition – it’s a full celebration of sport and community.
Complementing the main event is the Sunrise Sprint triathlon, featuring a shorter 750-m swim, 20-km bike, and 5-km run – ideal for beginners and seasoned athletes looking for a faster-paced challenge.
The festival began with the record-breaking Gwapa Dabawenya Run, offering 5K, 10K, and 21K categories Friday, while the spotlight shifts to youth development with the RLC Residences IRONKIDS Davao on Saturday. Young athletes will compete in an aquathlon and fun run, signaling a bright future for Philippine triathlon.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is the return of Tribu Maisugon and the highly anticipated Team Tents competition, which features a P500,000 prize for the top squad.
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