Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines
With 1,700 triathlon athletes participated in the recently concluded Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines, an early triathlon gun start commenced at the beach grounds of Shangri-la Hotel and Beach Resort on August 5, Sunday. Thirty one countries from around the globe partook in the most awaited triathlon competition of which over a thousand among the racers were Filipinos.

Triathlon is a competition encompassing three athletic races --- swimming, biking, and running. The race can be completed in groups of three or solely.

It’s the 4th triathlon organized in the Philippines and the first triathlon in the province of Cebu. The race course included a 1.9km swimming track, 90km biking trail, and 21.1km run course. And guess what, it’s the first time here in the Philippines to stage the swimming part of the race in open sea.




Government of Lapu-Lapu shows support to swimmers.
As I was watching the swimmers from the sea, I had the impression of glancing through a school of fish synchronously waving their fins as if they had to escape from a death net. And I came to remember the famous children’s movie Finding Nemo --- “Keep swimming down, keep swimming down, keep swimming down!…” break it! I know I’m childish but you just have to deal with it.

Bikers of Ironman 70.3 Philippines
Over 25,000 well-wishers around Lapu-Lapu City were present with their flaglets of encouragement to give support to the racers. Moreover, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza along with the cheering contingents housed at Discovery Bay, Mangal had their voices ready to beef up the racer’s determination to finish the race.

Famous celebrities were also found at the race including male heartrobs Piolo Pascual and Mateo Guidicelli, the walking encyclopedia Kuya Kim Atienza, owner of David’s Salon David Charlton, and female politician Sen. Pia Cayetano.

Mayor Paz Radaza and Sen. Pia Cayetano met at the race.
Towards the end of the activity, triathlon female category first placer Caroline Steffen conveyed his heartfelt joy to the kids, “Thanks Lapu-Lapu City kids for cheering along the race route and the cheering contigents at Discovery Bay… I have never seen so many kids in my races,” for cheering along the race route.

The previous triathlon competitions were held at Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is said that the triathlon competitions at CamSur promoted tourism for the province. New hotels and restaurants were built and established to provide accommodations for foreigners as well as local tourists. With this, it is expected that tourism for the heart of liberation of the Cebu province, Lapu-Lapu City will bloom for the next three years.
In parallel with the triathlon competition, a street party was organized at M.L. Quezon Avenue. At the street bash are 6 disco stations and 5 party stages were provided for Oponganons and tourists to enjoy with. They say, it’s more fun in the Philippines, well I guess for Oponganons, it’s double the fun in Lapu-Lapu City.