Record field joins Cebu triathlon tilt

LAPU-LAPU CITY—The race course in the phenomenal Cobra IronMan 70.3 Philippines is getting crowded each passing year.

Close to 2,600 triathletes from 40 countries across seven continents will be participating in this year’s edition when the swim-bike-run test of endurance unfolds this weekend at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.

World champion Craig Alexander and three-time Cobra Ironman champion Pete Jacobs have been considered the favorites in the men’s category while defending champion Caroline Steffen will banner the ladies side during the open elite race Sunday.

The Alaska Ironkids Philippines on Saturday will serve as the appetizer to the main course with children aged six to 14 providing a glimpse of the sport’s future.

“This sport has grown tremendously in the Philippines but we are also attracting triathletes from all over the world,” said Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr., president and CEO of Alaska Milk and race organizer Sunrise Events Inc.

Last year, 2,500 joined the world-class race which traverses one of the picturesque and historic tourist destinations in the Visayas islands. All slots for the race were sold out in just four hours after they were offered to the public versus last year’s record of four days.

The Ironkids will race in a 300-meter swim course at the outset, ride their bikes for nine kilometers and run for 2K on the sinewy streets of Mactan island.

In the elite race, the triathletes will swim for 1.9K before cycling for 90K in an out-and-back route that will start and end at Shangri-La.

After crossing the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and traversing Plaza Independencia on wheels all the way to Talisay town and back, a 21K finale on foot will determine the champion.

Two-time Olympian Courtney Atkinson, last year’s men’s champion, won’t be around to defend his title, leaving Cameron Brown of New Zealand, Fredrik Croneberg of Sweden, Michael Murphy of Ireland, and Australians Alexander and Jacobs as favorites for the diadem.

“This is one of the biggest sports events for us. I think this is good not only for Cebu but for the entire Philippines as well,” said Shangri-La Mactan general manager Marco Vazzoler.

The event is backed by Alaska Milk Corporation, Aqua Sphere, Asia Miles, Cathay Pacific, Century Tuna, David’s Salon, Devant, Gatorade, Globe Telecom, GU Energy Gel, Intercare, Kenneth Cobonpue, Asics, 2Go, Oakley, Prudential Guarantee, Pinkberry, Safeguard, Suarez & Sons, Timex and Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.