Sunrise Sprint Debuts at IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa

Aspiring triathletes and adrenaline seekers eager to experience the thrill of racing without the demands of extensive training will have their moment at the Sunrise Sprint, set to debut at the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on Sunday, March 2, in Palawan.

This marks the first time an IRONMAN 70.3 race will feature the Sunrise Sprint (S2), a short-distance event designed to provide a dynamic yet accessible triathlon experience. With a 750-meter open-water swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run, the race serves as an ideal stepping stone for beginners and a comeback opportunity for seasoned athletes.

The addition of the Sunrise Sprint brings a new level of excitement to the third staging of IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, setting the stage for a weekend of high-energy competition. The event is now set to become a regular fixture in future IRONMAN races, further expanding the triathlon community.

The race course offers a well-balanced mix of challenge and accessibility. Participants will start with a clockwise swim course from the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk ramp, where minimal waves and minor currents create an optimal swimming experience.

The bike leg features a one-loop counterclockwise course from Puerto Princesa Bay Park, incorporating rolling hills, steady climbs, and flat roads. The run segment is a one-loop, three-lap course along Rizal Avenue, where spectators can cheer on athletes as they push toward the finish line.

The Sunrise Sprint aims to bridge the gap between fun runs and full-distance triathlons, giving aspiring athletes a platform to experience the sport in a championship-level setup. It also provides returning competitors with a chance to regain their racing momentum in an encouraging environment.

Among those set to compete are John Ross del Mundo, William Verbruggen, Lemuel Ledesma, Nicholas Campaner, Thomas Battersby, and Jay Alvin Socrates. Leading the women’s field are Arlene Cleofe, Nerza Marie del Rosario, Alice Quizeo, and Lucienne Aragones.

“Puerto Princesa has hosted a couple of successful IRONMAN 70.3 events, and this third staging promises to be a race to remember, with the first-ever Sunrise Sprint adding an extra layer of thrill,” said Princesa Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events Inc.

The Sunrise Sprint kicks off a triathlon-packed weekend, complemented by two other key events—the 2GO Princesa Run, a 5-kilometer women-focused fun run on Friday, Feb. 28, at Baywalk Park, and the RLC Residences IRONKIDS Puerto Princesa, an aquathlon competition for children ages 6 to 15, set for Saturday, March 1.

Designed to cultivate the future of Philippine triathlon, the IRONKIDS event will feature four individual age-group categories, a relay division, and a kids’ run, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for young athletes.

All these lead up to the main event, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, where top-tier triathletes will take on the ultimate test of endurance.

For more details, visit ironman.com/races/im703-puerto-princesa.