Ironman 70.3 Davao returns with upgraded 2026 edition

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After a one-year hiatus, the Ironman 70.3 Davao will stage a milestone fifth edition on Sunday, March 22, 2026, marking an explosive return to the global triathlon scene.

This year’s race is positioned as the most spectacular yet, cementing its status as the yardstick for Ironman 70.3 events in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific.

“Ironman 70.3 Davao has evolved into more than just a race, it is a celebration of athletic excellence, cultural pride, and community spirit,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events, Inc., the exclusive Ironman licensee in the Philippines.

The landmark event promises a large international field, a refined world-class course, and a festival atmosphere that only Davao can deliver.

“The fifth edition will elevate the racing experience like never before—with faster courses, richer cultural immersion, and unmatched community support,” Galura said.

The 2026 Ironman 70.3 Davao will serve as a global proving ground with competitors from across continents drawn by top-tier organization, technical excellence, and a course that balances speed, scenery, and soul.

Athletes will tackle a 1.9 km swim in Talomo Bay framed by Mt. Apo, a 90 km bike along the Davao City Coastal Road, and a 21.1 km run lined with thousands of local supporters.

Beyond competition, the 2026 staging again highlights community resilience and cultural pride under the Tribu Maisugon theme—a tribute to the courageous spirit of Davaoeños that will transform the city into a living festival of local art, heritage, and traditions.

“We are honored to host the fifth edition of Ironman 70.3 in Davao,” acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte said.

“It’s more than a race—it’s a citywide celebration, and our people’s hospitality, energy, and commitment to excellence ensure that every athlete feels like a champion the moment they arrive,” Duterte said.

Registration is open, with event information available through the organizer’s official channels.

The fifth edition is also the most inclusive to date, featuring new events designed to broaden participation and deepen community engagement.

The Gwapa Dabawenya Run returns with three added categories—21 km Pinakagwapa, 10 km Mas Gwapa, and 5 km Gwapa Dabawenya—celebrating the strength, beauty, and empowered spirit of Dabawenyas.

A Sprint Distance Triathlon will make its debut for newcomers, beginners, and returning triathletes seeking a shorter but thrilling test of Ironman racing.

The Ironkids Aquathlon will offer a fun, inclusive entry point for young athletes through a swim–run format that nurtures future champions and supports grassroots sports development.

A refreshed event emblem will be unveiled to symbolize Davao’s resilience, diversity, and the unbreakable spirit of the triathlon community over five memorable years.

Background: Ironman 70.3, also known as the half-Ironman distance, comprises a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike, and a 21.1 km run, and the series is recognized worldwide for pairing demanding courses with strong local host-city support that showcases regional culture and hospitality.