Filipino triathletes are aiming for victory at the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, competing against a strong field of local and international contenders.
With the overall championship title and top prize money at stake in both the men’s and women’s divisions, anticipation is high.
To add to the excitement, the Puerto Princesa City Championship awards will grant PHP50,000 each to the top Filipino male and female finishers. The IRONMAN-affiliated TriClub with the most participants will take home a PHP200,000 cash prize.
These incentives, along with other rewards, are set to fuel athletes’ determination in this season’s “Gateway to Paradise” edition of IRONMAN 70.3.
The race weekend, organized by Sunrise Events Inc., kicks off Friday with the 2GO Princesa Run, a 5-kilometer women-focused fitness fun run at Baywalk Park, featuring over 300 participants.
Hosting the half-IRONMAN race for the third consecutive year, Puerto Princesa has earned a reputation for delivering a memorable racing experience for athletes and their families.
This year’s event coincides with the Subaraw Festival and highlights the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO Wonder of the World.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the race also aligns with the Balayong Festival, inspired by cherry blossoms, and Puerto Princesa City’s Foundation Day celebrations.
Athletes will take on a newly improved course this year, designed for a better race experience.
The cycling route has been adjusted from three loops to two, allowing for faster race times.
With 60% of the field coming from 42 countries, local triathletes will need to deliver top performances to compete for the championship and substantial cash prizes.
On Saturday, young athletes will compete in the RLC Residences IRONKIDS, featuring four age-group categories, a relay division, and a kids’ run, fostering an inclusive environment for future champions.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa main event takes place Sunday, where elite competitors will tackle a 1.9-kilometer open-water swim, a 90-kilometer cycling course, and a 21-kilometer run.
Set against a scenic and well-prepared championship course, the event promises an intense showcase of endurance, speed, and resilience.
Puerto Princesa will also debut the Sunrise Sprint (S2), a short-distance triathlon ideal for beginners and returning athletes.
The S2 race includes a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run, offering a dynamic yet accessible introduction to the sport.
For more details, visit ironman.com/races/im703-puerto-princesa.
