Olympic pedigree, a stacked international field and one of Asia’s toughest race courses promise another thrilling spectacle when the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu blasts off today at Mactan Newtown Beach in Cebu, where defending champion Henri Schoeman returns determined to reclaim the crown against a deep cast of elite challengers.
The South African star, who captured the bronze medal in the Rio Olympics, is back after missing last year’s race and eager to build on the commanding victory he posted in his event debut in 2024. But the 34-year-old faces a far sterner challenge this time, with fellow Olympian Natalie Van Coevorden leading a stellar women’s field and an equally determined international cast targeting the professional titles.
The centerpiece of Sunrise Events, Inc.’s premier endurance race presented by Megaworld will once again test athletes over the grueling 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run, highlighted by the iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
Meanwhile, a record of 674 young athletes turned the RLC Residences IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu into a celebration of the country’s rising multisport talent, with Zackary Da Silva and Laureen Lee Tan emerging as the premier division champions.