After getting hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and ravaged by Typhoon Odette (Rai), Cebu has risen and once again hosts the prestigious Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Sunday, Aug. 7 after a two-year hiatus.
“After the pandemic, after Odette, Cebu is back with the best race in Asia,” said Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura.
Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines kicks off the weekend triathlon event with IronKids on Saturday, Aug. 6 that will have 200 participants, followed by the IronMan event Sunday that will be competed by 1928 triathletes from 46 different countries.
The last time Cebu hosted Ironman was back in 2019. This time the race follows a different but more scenic route. The race kicks off with the 1.9 km swim course at the beachfront of Mactan Newtown. The 90 km bike leg of the race runs from Mactan Newtown and passes through the new Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway bridge to the South Road Properties. The 21 km run will run along the Lapu-Lapu Punta Engaño stretch and end at the finish line across Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
“We appreciate the support, Lapu-Lapu. It was quite a journey to return here with the Covid situation and the typhoon. It’s good to be back and see this energy and spirit,” said Ironman Asia managing director Jeff Edwards. “It’s a super exciting return. It’s a remarkable turnaround. The bike course is spectacular. It’s a visual experience. Like I said earlier, I heard so much about the spirit of the people here. I can’t wait to see it.”
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is grateful that the organizers have chosen Lapu-Lapu City, yet again, as the host for the Ironman.
“It’s a great honor that Ironman chose Lapu-Lapu as the venue of the race again. Actually hosting Ironman is not easy. The situation of Lapu-Lapu is improving.”
“The challenge was the unfinished drainage but it’s completed and all cyclists are safe. Rest assured the city always supports this event. It has helped us bounce back with our economy after three years of pandemic and the devastation of Typhoon Odette. Thank you so much, Ironman.”