Foreign Athletes to Elevate IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa

Making a strong comeback after a one-year hiatus, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2 has attracted a formidable lineup, with more than 60% of participants coming from 45 countries, reinforcing its status as a premier international endurance race.

The event has seen a surge in global participation, with triathletes from Australia, China, France, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States set to challenge local contenders. This influx of elite foreign athletes is expected to elevate competition and enhance the race’s global prestige.

After John Alcala (2022) and Satar Salem (2023) claimed the men’s overall titles in the first two editions, international contenders are eager to take the top podium spot.

The women’s field is equally competitive, with athletes vying for top honors and aiming to join Singapore’s Ling Er Choo and the Philippines’ Leyann Ramo on the event’s roster of champions.

The significant presence of international athletes boosts the event’s competitiveness and visibility while benefiting Puerto Princesa’s tourism and economy. Their participation brings global exposure to the city, raises competition standards, and fosters cultural exchange and community engagement.

The arrival of athletes, their families and supporters translates to increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits and tourism activities, stimulating the local economy. Hosting world-class triathletes also highlights Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty, rich culture and hospitality on the global stage.

The presence of elite international athletes pushes local competitors to elevate their training and performance. Meanwhile, the event’s diverse participants promote cross-cultural interactions, encouraging locals and visitors to celebrate sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The triathlon season kicks off with an exciting lineup of events, starting with the Princesa Run on Feb. 28, a community run for female fitness enthusiasts, which has already drawn more than 300 participants.

On March 1, young athletes will take center stage in the IronKids Swim-Run and Kids Run, promoting early engagement in the sport. On the same day as IRONMAN 70.3, the Sunrise Sprint—a short-distance triathlon for both beginners and experienced racers—will also take place.

So far, IRONMAN 70.3 has drawn more than 400 participants, while the Sunrise Sprint has 30 entries. Meanwhile, the IronKids event has secured 150 young competitors, promising an action-packed weekend of racing.

Registration is ongoing. For more details, visit IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa or contact Sai Aliman-Mayol at sal.mayol@sunriseevents.com.ph.

Other participating countries include Egypt, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, according to the organizing IRONMAN Group Philippines.

Backed by LGR Athletic Wears Inc. as the main sponsor, IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa offers an extraordinary race experience. Athletes will embark on a 1.9-kilometer open-water swim in Puerto Princesa’s crystal-clear waters, followed by a 90-kilometer scenic bike ride through coastal roads and city landscapes, culminating in a challenging 21-kilometer run through the heart of the city.