MANILA, Philippines - The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines and Alaska Ironkids Triathlon return to Cebu for its fifth year tomorrow, Aug. 3, and on Aug. 4.
This year, more big-name triathletes are expected to compete. For the professional division, there’s Pete Jacobs, a three-time Ironman Philippines first placer and Chris McCormack, a two-time Ironman World Champion to watch out for. Both world champions will definitely deliver an exhilarating showdown during the race. Amongst the ladies, there’s Caroline Steffen of Alaska Team TBB, the defending women’s champion and Belinda Granger, 12 times Ironman Distance Triathlon Champion, a tough competitor for the title. The finisher’s medals and winner’s trophies to be awarded during the event are designed by world-renowned furniture designer and proud Cebuano, Kenneth Cobonpue.
What makes this year’s event more thrilling are the big celebrities who will not just be gracing the event but also be participating in the competition such as Isabelle Daza, an Ironman 70.3 first-timer who will be having her first big race. She will be doing a full triathlon, which consists of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21km run. Matteo Guidicelli who was first known for his racing career has gotten into triathlon with his dad as his biggest influence. There’s Erwan Heussaff, Drew Arellano and Kim Atienza who are all active triathletes. Piolo Pascual, on the other hand, will join the bike relay. Other celebrities who have signed up for the event are Solenn Heussaff, Pia Cayetano and Raffy Tima.
Tomorrow, the Alaska Ironkids Triathlon will kick start the event. Alaska Ironkids is an event open for kids aged six to 14 with the goal of promoting a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle to show them that being healthy can also be fun.
For details, log on to www.ironman703phil.com and www.ironkidsphil.com.