THE Philippines is once again at the spotlight of the sporting community all over Asia. The 2018 Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao race was recently awarded the best Ironman 70.3 Race in Asia while Davao City, was awarded as the Best Host City.
“The uniqueness of Davao City being diverse and the warm hospitality of the Davaoeños. We have shown the world how the city works together in unity, making sure that their experience in the city would truly be a memorable one,” Davao City Sports Chief Mikey Aportadera said.
Azuela Cove, the venue of Alveo Ironman 70.3, is an Ayala Land Inc. estate in Davao. Tagged ‘Davao’s prime waterside lifestyle district’, Azuela Cove is the newest luxury residence in Lanang.
“We are proud to be the official venue partner of the Best Ironman 70.3 in Asia,” shares Jun Bisnar, Chief Operating Officer for Visayas and Mindanao, Ayala Land Inc.
According to Sunrise Events General Manager Princess Galura, these awards are given by the triathletes who joined Ironman 70.3 leg series. The Davao leg came out highest in the survey for the entire Asian Region.
“For our first year, we got two awards in a row: Best Ironman 70.3 and Best Host City. It’s just WOW! The close partnership, support, and coordination between the local government, the sponsors and the organizing team, give us the best results, that merits the awards. Big congratulations to the City of Davao and Ayala Land Inc. with its participating brands Alveo and Azuela,” she said.
The race kicked off with the 1.9-kilometer swim at the Azuela Cove followed by a 90-kilometer bike from Azuela Cove to the turnaround point in Tagum City, and then a 21-kilometer run through the city center in Davao City. The 2018 Alveo Ironman drew over 2,000 participants including athletes from 38 countries.
IM 70.3 veterans Belinda Granger, Bubble Paraiso, and Kim Atienza shared the highlights of their IM experience:
“I was so excited to read that Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao had won major awards. Excited, yes, but surprised, no, as after having had the honor of being part of the event in 2018, I was simply blown away by just how fantastic this inaugural event was. Azuela Cove is the perfect location to host a triathlon. The athletes were treated to one of best organized events that I have ever had the pleasure of attending. The race course is such a treat with the athletes having a fully closed course for both the bike and the run. The run itself is even more special as athletes get to run down the main road of Davao City and the course is lined with spectators the entire way and the atmosphere is simply electric. Bravo to Sunrise Events and key title sponsor, Alveo, for yet again raising the bar and providing such a wonderful race experience for both the professional and age-group athletes. -Belinda Granger, Professional World Champion Triathlete.
The Alveo IM 70.3 is definitely at the top of my fave half Ironman courses. Full road closures with amazing crowd support plus lots of hydration stations make racing easier for us triathletes. I love how well organized the event was — from the numerous scuba divers making sure all swimmers are safe, to all the Marshalls and security going around the race course.. even my family is assured that I would be racing safely. The bike course is beautiful. Davao is beautiful. The pre and post race meals are amazing. The venue, Azuela Cove, is spectacular. Everything about this race is very well done. I can’t wait to go back next year. -Bubbles Paraiso, actress and triathlete.
Alveo IM 70.3 Is unforgettable. HIGHLY recommended for those doing this distance for the first time. I never felt safest in all the races I joined than this swim. There were lifeguards underwater, by the swim buoys and flying above via the provincial helicopter. The bike course was the fastest and smoothest of all the 70.3s in the country. Azuela Cove is beautiful, people of Davao are the most supportive! Congrats Alveo for a job excellently done! At 52 years old, I raced a PR this year at 5:50 enjoying the course and the vibe. -Kim Atienza, host, weather anchor, and triathlete.
Every active triathlete in Davao ensures to mark their calendars for each years upcoming Alveo Ironman 70.3 at Azuela Cove.
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Azuela Cove is an estate by Ayala Land Inc. and the Alcantara Group. Azuela Cove is set to become Davao’s prime waterside business and residential district. This 25-hectare property is master-planned as a mixed-used community that will include Ayala Land Premier (ALP) residential towers, a St. Luke’s Medical Center Hospital, commercial lots, offices, and an Enderun events venue. ALP spearheads the development of residential condominium towers facing the ocean and a pristine view of Samal Island and Davao Gulf. The world-class hospital facility St. Luke's Medical Center is set to operate where Davaoeños can expect state-of-the-art healthcare expertise of locally and internationally-trained doctors. The Shops at Azuela Cove is a retail mix that focuses on local homegrown food favorites. Classic national and international food concepts are currently offered to local foodies. To prime the property is The Sports Hub that features a FIFA-standard size soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts that follow global sporting standards. The Enderun Tent at Azuela Cove, is a 2,000-sqm., air-conditioned events tent that can accommodate up to 1,500 people for corporate and social events, conventions, and exhibits.