SOME 1,200 runners will vie for honors in the Herbalife Nutrition Iron Girl five-kilometer race set in an out-and-back course from the Azuela Cove at 5 p.m. Friday, March 22.

Herbalife Nutrition Philippines general manager Bong Valenzuela, in Thursday’s press conference at Park Inn by Radisson, said more interested runners wanted to join but could no longer be accommodated.

Sunrise Events, Inc. general manager Princess Galura said that the Iron Girl used to be an event specifically for the wives and daughters of Ironman participants but it has evolved to be a regular event that was embraced by Dabawenyas.

Last year, Iron Girl attracted 600 participants.

“Sobrang ginanahan kami kasi nung nag registration in about 70 minutes filled up na ang 1,200 slots while last year it took us about three to four days,” Galura said.

Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office officer-in-charge Mikey Aportadera, for his part, said: “Biglang dumaming women getting into fitness. (MLSA)