Alveo Ironman 70.3 Men’s Professional category champion Mauricio Mendez of Mexico is flanked by runners up Timothy Reed (right) and Tim Van Berkel (left) of Australia after finishing the first Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in Davao City on Sunday, 25 March 2018. MINDANEWS PHOTO
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/ 01 Oct) – It only took 15 minutes for all slots for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in Davao City scheduled on March 24 next year to be fully booked after registration opened at 8 a.m. on Monday.
Princess Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., said in an interview at the Seda Hotel where the registration was held that the turnout surprised them as runners from all over the world immediately reserved 2,200.
She said those who registered on-site came as early as 3:20 a.m.
“We are so happy. I know this year Davao did sell well. I did not know it was that fast because our record for Cebu with 3,000 slots was 22 minutes. The registration was opened online so wherever you are in the world if it’s 8 a.m. in the Philippines, you can register,” she said.
The city hosted the first Ironman 70.3 on March 25, 2018 attracting some 1,800 runners, including international racers and celebrities.
Sunrise holds a three-year contract with the city for the Ironman hosting and is renewable for another two to three years, Galura said.
She said most of those who did not make it to the registration could still register if some listed racers give up their slots.
She said they expected 70% of the runners to be Filipinos.
“The triathletes will have to expect an amazing hosting of Davao City. I can promise you that it will be a safe race, it will be a fun race, and it will be a personal best race,” she said.
The only challenge the participants will have to endure is the heat but organizers assured they will provide proper hydration.
Galura also assured them of security in the city.
“Davao is known for safety and security. We really feel the trust of the triathletes who said they feel safe because there many security personnel looking after them,” she said.
The latest bombing to hit the city occurred at the Roxas night market on September 2, 2016. It left 15 people dead and 69 others wounded.
Meanwhile, Mikey Aportadera, City Sports Development Division officer-in-charge, said the result of the registration was overwhelming.
He said it was unusual that all slots were taken so fast compared to the first Ironman 70.3 where only about 200 racers registered online during the opening day of the registration.
“We make sure that everybody is well taken care of, secured, well fed, and properly attended to especially the visitors,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
