LAPU-LAPU CITY—Tara Borlain and Juan Francisco Baniqued have virtually made the Alaska IronKids Triathlon their exclusive playground.
After proving their worth in a race in Subic almost five months ago, the two are expected to again dominate the biggest swim-bike-run event for youngsters that fires off today in the historic island of Mactan.
Both Borlain and the 13-year-old Baniqued have won the Alaska IronKids twice and there’s little doubt they can pull it off again in a grueling course that will start at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa here.
The challenge this time will be provided by the 172 racers in three race categories.
“I feel no pressure at all because I join these races for fun,” said Borlain.
The only blotch in Borlain’s resume came last year when she was beaten in the 300-meter swim, 9 km bike and 2 km run by her elder sister, Samantha.
Also on tap is a play category with short and long distances to promote outdoor competition as well as the relay races.
Today’s participants joined yesterday’s Alaska Run-out, a 2.5 km practice run from Shangri-La to Punta Engaño Elementary School where Ironman champions Pete Jacobs, Caroline Steffen, Alaska Tri-Aspire team coach Matt O’Halloran and other world-class triathletes helped feed 1,660 young students in the “Gatas for Breakfast Movement.”
The Alaska IronKids, open to children 6 to 14 years old, serves as an appetizer to tomorrow’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines which has lured a record-breaking 2,618 participants from 52 countries in six continents.