Ironman 70.3 Philippines set for August in Camsur
TRIATHLON — the toughest endurance sport there is — takes front and center as the country plays host to the Ironman 70.3 Philippines in August at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC), Camarines Sur.
In ceremonies held yesterday at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati, proponents, led by Alaska Milk Corp. CEO/Sunrise Events, Inc. president/triathlete Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Camsur Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, officially launched the triathlon event scheduled for August 23, which will take participants to a gruelling half-Ironman 70.3 mile race course (total distance) — 1.2-mile swim (1.9 km), 56-mile bike (90 km) and 13.1-mile run (21.1 km) — around the world renowned CWC.
A passion and idea which stemmed as a way of “dealing with midlife fitness” about 10 years ago, Uytengsu said he is very thrilled in finally being able to bring the prestigious Ironman event to local shores.
Uytengsu in his welcome remarks said that there are three principles behind the staging of the Ironman here in the country.
First is in support of the government’s thrust to make the Philippines a destination of choice for “sports tourism.”
Second is to help develop the growth of triathlon in the country. “While the sport is still relatively small here, there has been significant growth in the past couple of years,” Uytengsu, who will also compete in the event, said. He added: “As more and more people seek a healthier lifestyle, triathlon is well positioned to attract many new participants.”
But since the half-Ironman could be too challenging for many here, organizers have decided to offer a relay category during the event wherein three individuals can team up to complete the swim, bike and run. Within the relay category there are different classes: men, women, mixed, corporate and collegiate.
Third principle is to create a world-class triathlon event on local soil. For this drive the organizers have enlisted a group of professional competitors from at least eight different countries, including champion triathlete Chris McCormack, to vie for the cash prize totaling $25,000. Top Filipino triathletes (male and female) also get prize money with the first placer getting P50,000, second placer, P30,000 and third placer, P20,000.
For his part, Gov. Villafuerte said the province of Camarines Sur, already home to world-class wakeboarding activity, is honored to have been chosen as the site for the inaugural Ironman event here. He said that they fully support it and will ensure the success of the staging, including providing security and convenience to competitors and spectators alike.
For more details on Ironman 70.3 Philippines and how to register, log on to www.ironman703phil.com
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[...] sent an email to our egroup this morning with this title - “Who’s game? : Ironman 70.3 Philippines in August (Camsur)” as though it’s just another weekend 5K/ 10K race at The Fort. Man what was I [...]