IronKids launches virtual races amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines—Triathlon events have become an annual tradition in the Philippines especially in the cities of Subic, Cebu, and Davao but with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging such races have been put on hold.

Kids and adult racers have graced the yearly events but with health a top concern for most, the organizers decided to focus their attention on the athletes’ well-being.

In lieu of its outdoor races, IronMan organizers Sunrise Events decided to launch Alaska IronKids Philippines Keep Fit at Home–a series of virtual races and activities–that will run for 10 weekends. Registration started on August 10.

Princess Galura, General Manager of Sunrise Events, said it’s important for kids to remain active despite the Philippines in a virtual lockdown due to the pandemic and one way to do that is through sports and competition.

“In sports there’s always someone better than you or you’re better than someone else,” said Galura in an online press conference Wednesday. “We want to teach them discipline, teach them how to lose, teach them how to win.”

“We want them to interact with their parents and other kids.”

There will be 10 videos on demand for kids as well as Facebook Live sessions where children can learn different topics from coaches.

The virtual races will start on Aug. 15 and 16 and will continue on the succeeding weekends.