Alaska IronKids unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines - The Alaska IronKids, the highly-anticipated local junior version of the international IronKids series, gets underway at 7 am today at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City with close to 200 aspiring triathletes seeing action.

Tata Borlain, one of the country's future triathlon stars, is expected to have a tougher time in defending her crown in the 9-10 division with the entry of Tahlia MacCormack, daughter of two-time world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack's daughter. Tahlia's younger sister Siena Lily will also show her stuff in the 6-8 age division.

A bunch of Cebu-based athletes will also strut their wares in this 3-in-one sport including the Uy siblings Craig Joshua, Shaia and Syrah Ruth, the Mataragnon sisters Aaliah and Althea, Nyke and Nyko Archival, Ana Patricia Maximo, Nina Villaba, Yasmin Priagula, and a host of entries from the Cebu TriWarriors.

Last year's best Cebuano finisher Yuan Chiongbian, however, could not make it this time due to personal reasons.

The participants in the 6-8 and 9-10 categories will have to deal with a 100-meter swim 3-kilometer bike and 1km run, while the 11-12 and 13-14 age groupers will negotiate a longer course of 300m swim, 10km bike and 2km run.

The swimming will be done on the waters fronting Shangri-La, the bike ride will be held at the Mactan Newtown within Punta Engaño while the run will be done within the five-star resort.

Unlike its adult version which only has a triathlon, the Alaska IronKids also has aquathlon and run.

The developmental race is bankrolled by Alaska Milk Corporation anchored on its ardent desire to mold athletes not only of skills but also of character. It has truly become an avenue for children to pursue their dreams and aspirations to become outstanding athletes and in the process develop positive values and adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

For the past four years, the Alaska IronKids has grown from its humble beginning as a Sunday fun run for children to a national sporting event that has become a key training ground for the country’s aspiring athletes. More than just competition, it also offers an opportunity for families to spend quality time together.

Tomorrow, the Cebu sports community braces for a bigger and grander event with the staging of the fifth edition of the Cobra Energy Drink IronMan 70.3 Philippines also at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa.

Over 2,000 triahletes from 35 countries across six continents will take part in the grueling battle of stmaina, endurance, and mental toughness.

Three-time champion Pete Jacobs of Australia banners a tough international field that will be taking part in what is highly regarded as a standout event in Asia-Pacific region and an international benchmark.

Already on its fifth year, the IronMan 70.3 has become the biggest and best IronMan 70.3 race in this part of the world that also serves as a qualifier for the IronMan World Championships Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada on September 8.

The grueling battle starts with a 1.9-kilometer open water swim at the beach of the Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa in Mactan Island on August 4. It will be followed by the 90km bike ride traversing four cities (Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay), while the culminating 21km run will be at Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City where the historic “Battle of Mactan” took place nearly five centuries ago. (FREEMAN)