IronKids ushers in big Mactan triathlon

LAPU-LAPU CITY—The spotlight will be on sisters Tara and Sam Borlain when the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon unfolds today, kicking off a big sporting weekend in Mactan Island that culminates with the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman Philippines 70.3.

Finishing 1-2 in the girls’ 9-10 division last year, Tara, 10, and 11-year-old Sam are competing in different age groups this time of the fourth staging of the annual event that ushers in the triathlon race tomorrow.

Tara, the country’s top young triathlete, will be up against pedigreed rivals as she goes for a repeat in the 9-10 division.

Among her opponents are Sofia Ildefonso, her classmate at St. Paul College and daughter of former PBA star Danny Ildefonso, and Australian Tahlia McCormak, daughter of former two-time Ironman world champion Chris McCormack, who is competing in Sunday’s race.

“I’m challenged (by the strong field),” said Tara, who actually played a part in convincing cancer-stricken Sofia to take up the sport.

Sam, who decided to join the race only last week when she got a new bike, has set modest expectations in the 11-12 category, where she will compete with the likes of defending champion Lauren Plaza and Sophia Almendral.

The Ironkids race, which covers a 300-meter swim, 8K bike and 2K run course, will start and end at the posh Shangri-La Mactan.

Earl Tan, last year’s champion in the 9-10 division, will compete in the 11-12 category this time, while Eric Almendra, who ruled the 6-8 division, will move up to the 9-10 category.

Now on its fifth staging, the Ironman 70.3 is slated tomorrow, led by defending champions Pete Jacobs of Australia and Caroline Steffen of Switzerland.

Jacobs is gunning for a fourth straight title here.