IronMan 70.3 Philippines, the most prestigious international triathlon race in the country, holds its sixth edition in Cebu at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa on August 3. A day earlier on August 2, the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon for children six to 14 years old will be held at the same venue.
Already in its sixth year, the Cobra Energy Drink IronMan 70.3 remains the most popular IronMan 70.3 race in this part of the world with close to 2,600 participants from 40 countries across six continents. 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 sport has grown tremendously in the Philippines but we are also attracting triathletes from all over the world with over 40 countries and all 7 continents represented. We are delighted to see the interest and demand for the IronMan 70.3 Philippines sell out in just four hours. We have another stellar Pro cast as well.” said Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, President and CEO of Alaska Milk and Sunrise Events, Inc.
Race organizer Sunrise Events, Inc. said the upcoming IronMan 70.3 race, which traverses the number one tourist destination in the Philippines the scenic island province of Cebu will be the biggest and best yet.
World champions Craig Alexander and Chris McCormack will banner the men’s division while defending women’s champion Caroline Steffen will lead the ladies in the IronMan 70.3 Philippines. Alexander is a three time IronMan World Champion and two-time IronMan 70.3 World Champion. McCormack is a two-time winner of the IronMan World Championship, winning the titles in 2007 and 2010, as well as the 2012 Long Distance World Championships. Other male professionals to watch out for are Cameron Brown of New Zealand, Fredrik Cronberg of Sweden and Michael Murphy of Ireland.
Last year’s women’s champion Caroline Steffen of Alaska Tri-Aspire Team returns to defend her crown. Her strongest challenge will come from 2011 champion and 2012 third placer Belinda Granger. Providing plenty of challenge for the open crown are Bree Wee from the United States (who placed second last year), Katya Rabe from Germany and professional triathlete, Monica Torres from the Philippines.
The world class IronMan 70.3 Philippines is one of the country’s most popular sporting events, attracting thousands of both local and foreign participants yearly since its inaugural race in 2009. The Alaska IronKids Philippines on the contrary is the local junior version of the IronMan. It is open to children ages 6 to 14 years old and has been in the country since 2010. For four years, the number of participants keeps on growing yearly and many parents and children see the benefits of sports and an active healthy lifestyle.
Alaska Milk recognizes the need of Filipino children for proper nutrition. According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute and the Department of Health, obesity and under nutrition also remains to be a public health concern. Aside from proper nutrition, an active lifestyle is also needed in order to shape and nurture healthier children. Alaska encourages children to “go out and play” and participate in Alaska sports programs like the Alaska IronKids Triathlon.
Alaska IronKids Philippines has become an avenue for children to pursue their dreams and aspirations to become outstanding athletes and in the process, sports help develop positive values like Determination, Hard Work, Teamwork, Discipline and Sportsmanship which is what real champions are made of. More than just a competition Alaska IronKids Philippines offers an opportunity for families to spend quality time together. It has created a community whose members aspire to become the best they can be both physically, emotionally and mentally.
The event is sponsored 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, Pinkberry, Prudential Guarantee, Safeguard, Suarez & Sons, Inc., and Timex. Official photographer is Finisher Pix while the host venue is Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.
Media partners are MultiSport Magazine, The Philippine Star and ABS-CBN Sports + Action. Official hotel partners are BE Resorts, Crimson Resort & Spa, Movenpick Resort & Spa, and Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino MactanSpecial thanks to Department of Tourism, Province of Cebu, Mayors of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay cities.
For more information, check out the IronMan 70.3 Philippines website at www.ironman703phil.com and for Alaska IronKids Philippines visit www.ironkidsphil.com. For live Twitter updates, follow @ALASKAsportshub or search the ff. hashtags: #Alaskaironkids #IM703Ph.
