IronKids to usher in Ironman weekend

Multititled Borlain sisters Samantha, Tara and Franchezka and fellow champions Wacky Baniqued and Jane Macalaad are favorites anew when the Alaska IronKids unfurl in Subic Bay this Saturday.

Triathletes aged 6 to 14 years will vie in the 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 age group categories of the race that will serve as appetizer to the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 the following day.

The event is also the kickoff of a 3-stage circuit, that includes two aquathlon races on April 9 at Manila Polo Club and on June 3, also in Subic. It will culminate with the Alaska IronKids Triathlon in Mactan, Cebu, in August.

Last year in Subic, Samantha topped the 13-14 group, Tara prevailed in 11-12 and Franchezka in the 6-8 group.

Baniqued was boys’ winner in 13-14 while Macalaad was runner-up to Samantha in the race produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

Franchezka repeated her feat later in the year in Cebu while Tara moved up to the 13-14 group and beat Samantha.—VANESSA B. HIDALGO