THE Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu on August 9 will feature another world-class showcase of endurance, but what truly sets the event apart is the extraordinary support from thousands of schoolchildren and local residents whose energy transforms the race into one of the most memorable stops on the global triathlon calendar.
As the world’s top professionals, seasoned age-groupers and rising local stars prepare to tackle the iconic 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run course at Mactan Newtown in Cebu, they can once again expect an atmosphere unlike any other-one created by enthusiastic youngsters waving flags, holding handmade placards and cheering every athlete from start to finish.
Last year, Australia’s Josh Ferris and New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson not only conquered the grueling course but also left with lasting memories of the community that embraced every participant.
Ferris captured the men’s professional title in three hours, 49 minutes and 10 seconds, defeating New Zealand’s Mike Phillips (3:52:40), while Watkinson dominated the women’s professional division in 4:14:22 to reclaim the crown eight years after her first victory in 2017.
Both champions agreed that what they remembered most wasn’t simply standing atop the podium, but it was racing amid an overwhelming wave of encouragement from the people lining the course.
‘I was screaming along without knowing,’ Ferris said. ‘My ears were about to burst, they were so loud. All the school kids out there, all the people were cheering, and it was awesome.’
‘It’s different, it’s not just racing, it’s racing with emotion,’ Watkinson said.
Registration is ongoing. For details, visit www.ironman.com/races/im703-cebu-philippines.