New run course adds twist to IRONMAN 70.3 Davao

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DAVAO CITY — A fresh challenge awaits athletes at the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines on August 11, with the introduction of a new run course along the scenic Davao City Coastal Road.

Athletes will swim 1.9 kilometers parallel to the coast, bike 90 kilometers towards the MacArthur Highway, and then return to the coastal road for a 21.1-kilometer run to the finish line.

“We are committed to making this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Davao even more remarkable. The new course along the Davao City Coastal Road will bring a fresh challenge,” said Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

Expressing excitement over their fourth hosting of the annual event organized by The IRONMAN Group, Duterte added, “To hold this event in Davao City for the fourth time truly brings prestige to us Dabawenyos. We are thrilled to welcome back the organizers, honored guests, and especially the athletes from around the country and the world.”

Duterte assured the safety of all participants, spectators, and guests, emphasizing that comprehensive safety and health protocols will be implemented.

“The city’s culture of security will be rigorously upheld to ensure a safe and enjoyable IRONMAN 70.3 experience for all,” he said.

Mayor Jose Nelson Sala of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, also praised the organizers, partners, sponsors, and the entire Dabawenyo community for hosting the event.

“This underscores the Davao Region’s suitability for international events and highlights the area’s safety and security for local and foreign tourists,” Sala noted.

The municipality plays a key role in the race by hosting a 10-kilometer segment of the bike route via the MacArthur Highway.

“This administration recognizes sports tourism as a potent strategy for promoting socio-economic development and positive image-building for a locality in Mindanao,” Sala added.

Since its inception in 2018, the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao has enjoyed strong support from the local community.

The city comes alive with cultural shows, festivities, and a competitive team spirit, attracting athletes from across the Philippines and around the world.

Sponsored by Aboitiz Power with Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink as a partner, the event is part of the 39th Kadayawan Festival, celebrating local cuisine, tribal products, and cultural showcases.

Adding to the excitement is the IRONKIDS event on August 10, a duathlon featuring a run-bike-run competition for athletes aged 6-15, with RLC Residences as the main sponsor.

There will also be a special IRONKIDS run, with a 1-kilometer course for kids aged 6-10 and a 3-kilometer course for those aged 11-15.

Kicking off the IRONMAN weekend is the 2GO Gwapa Dabawenya Run on August 9, a 5k fun run that has already attracted 2,000 participants.

Registration remains open. For details, visit ironman.com (https://www.ironman.com/im703-davao-philippines).