Athletes Gear Up for IRONMAN 70.3 Davao

DAVAO CITY – The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao, slated for Sunday, August 11, is set to draw over a thousand athletes from 31 countries, all vying for coveted berths at the 2025 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Spain and the IRONMAN Women’s World Championship in France this year.

The event, organized by The IRONMAN Group and powered by Aboitiz, features a challenging course with a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.1 km run.

Highlighting this year’s race is the introduction of the Coastal Road, a 17.3 km composite highway expected to test athletes’ endurance, especially during the closing run stage.

“This year’s event will definitely be a test of power and endurance, particularly with the new Coastal Road segment,” said race director Ramon Gonzales. “We anticipate a very competitive atmosphere, especially in the swim and bike segments where athletes will strive to build momentum.”

International and Local Contenders

The women’s competition boasts a formidable international lineup, including Hong Kong’s Rachel Chow, Singapore’s Man Ling Lo and Hui Juin Lim, and Spain’s Monica Monfort Roca. They will be joined by Vietnam’s Thao Nguyen and Link Tran, Oman’s Reem Al Harthy, India’s Pawni Sakpal, and Japan’s Shiho Sato and Akari Koge.

Leading the local charge are Filipina athletes Jessica Palermo, Rara Torres, and Alessandra Aquino. They are supported by fellow countrywomen Sophia Capistrano, Chloe Ong, Natasha Doromal-Lim, Shirra De Guia, Faith Garcia, Kate Labio, Veronica Silos, and Geraldine dela Cruz.

A Part of Kadayawan Festival

The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao is part of Davao City’s 39th Kadayawan Festival, which celebrates local cuisine, tribal products, and cultural showcases.

The event is expected to bring a festive atmosphere to the city, with various activities lined up, including the 2GO Gwapa Dabawenya Run, a 5 km fun run for over 2,000 women participants on Friday, August 9.

Saturday, August 10, will feature the IRONKIDS event, a run-bike-run competition for young athletes aged 6-15, with RLC Residences as the main sponsor.

The IRONKIDS race includes a 1 km run for children aged 6-10 and a 3 km run for those aged 11-15.

Excitement Builds

Athletes and spectators alike are looking forward to an exciting competition.

“We have athletes from various parts of the world, and the introduction of the Coastal Road will add a new dimension to the race,” said Aboitiz representative Maricel Abanilla. “It’s an honor to host such a prestigious event as part of the Kadayawan Festival.”

Notable international entries include 35 participants from Japan, 19 from Singapore, 10 from Vietnam, and seven each from India, China, Great Britain, and the United States.

The competition is expected to be fierce, with participants aiming for top finishes to secure their spots in the world championships.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao promises a thrilling race day, filled with intense competition and showcasing the resilience and determination of triathletes from around the globe.

For more details, visit IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines (https://ironman.com/im703-davao-philippines).