Triathletes from 54 Countries to Face Intense Heat at Ironman 70.3 Lapu Lapu Cebu

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — This Sunday, April 21, Mactan Newton will host a record 1,385 triathletes from 54 countries participating in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu Lapu Cebu, marking the event’s return to a summer schedule for the first time in a decade. Unlike the usual rainy August weather, competitors will face the challenges of racing in the sweltering heat, with temperatures forecasted to hit a heat index of 38 degrees Celsius due to the El Niño phenomenon.

During a media conference at The Tent, Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Inc., assured participants of comprehensive safety measures and heat mitigation strategies that exceed global standards. “We are monitoring multiple factors including heat index, water temperature, and humidity. Everything is prepared to ensure a safe race day,” Galura stated.

Significantly, the local support for this event has been robust. Lapu-Lapu City’s Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, Congresswoman Cindi Chan, and the municipality of Cordova, along with Cebu City and corporate sponsors like CCLEX and Megaworld, have collaborated closely to guarantee the triathletes’ safety. Unique to this year’s race, organizers have introduced mango-flavored ice pops as an additional refreshment not typically included in global protocols.

“The community involvement is tremendous. About six barangays are directly engaged, and we have mobilized significant resources including 1,700 personnel from the Philippine National Police to cover the entire course,” added Galura.

The competition also promises to be a spectacle with the participation of 29 professional triathletes, including Olympic medalists, former world champions, and emerging talents. Among the notable athletes are Daniel Bækkegård from Denmark, ranked 11th in the world, and Henri Schoeman of South Africa, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The women’s field features strong competitors such as Germany’s Anne Reischmann, Britain’s Lucy Byram, and Australia’s Dimity-Lee Duke.

Congresswoman Chan highlighted the event’s significance for local tourism, “We’re going all out to promote our city and aim for a tourism rebound post-pandemic and following Typhoon Odette. It’s an opportunity to showcase Lapu-Lapu City not just as a historical site but as a vibrant host of international sporting events.”

As excitement builds, both organizers and competitors are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable race in the challenging conditions of Cebu’s tropical climate. The Ironman 70.3 Lapu Lapu Cebu is not only a test of endurance and skill but also a celebration of the spirit of community and the resilience of athletes and locals alike.