The future of Philippine triathlon takes center stage as the RLC Residences IRONKIDS kicks off today, Saturday, March 1, at the Ramon Mitra Jr. Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
A vital part of the IRONMAN series, IRONKIDS has long played a key role in developing young athletes, serving as a stepping stone for aspiring triathletes. This aligns with RLC Residences’ commitment to fostering youth development, not just in sports but also in instilling values of discipline, respect, and perseverance—qualities that extend beyond the race into everyday life.
In an era where screen time often outweighs physical activity, IRONKIDS offers a meaningful alternative, encouraging children to adopt healthier lifestyles while engaging in a supportive and exciting sports community.
This year’s IRONKIDS edition holds special significance as it sets the stage for the highly anticipated third IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on Sunday, March 2. The international event will welcome elite and amateur triathletes from 42 countries, all ready to push their limits in the grueling 1.9-kilometer open-water swim, 90-kilometer cycling course, and 21-kilometer run.
Adding to the excitement, Puerto Princesa will also debut the inaugural Sunrise Sprint (S2), a short-distance triathlon featuring a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and 5-kilometer run. The S2 event offers a thrilling opportunity for budding triathletes and speed specialists to showcase their skills.
More than just a competition, IRONKIDS serves as a launching pad for young athletes, inspiring them to embrace the triathlon lifestyle while instilling values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Designed for kids aged 6 to 15, the event features four age-group categories, each testing participants’ endurance, skill, and determination in both individual and relay divisions. The 6-8 age bracket will take on a 100-meter swim followed by a 1-kilometer run, while the 13-15 group will compete in a 250-meter swim and a 2-kilometer run.
Relay teams will also race in shorter but equally exciting competitions tailored to each division’s abilities.
Beyond the thrill of competition, IRONKIDS plays a pivotal role in developing the country’s triathlon pipeline, bridging the gap between grassroots participation and elite competition. Many of today’s top Filipino triathletes began their journey in IRONKIDS before advancing to IRONMAN events.
Also included in the lineup is the Kids Run, featuring a 1-kilometer race for the 6-10 category and a 2-kilometer challenge for the 11-15 division, further promoting endurance and a passion for running among young athletes.
IRONKIDS continues to prove that the future of Philippine triathlon is bright, fostering a new generation of competitors who will carry the sport’s legacy onto the national and international stage.
Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., the aquathlon officially kicks off at 5 a.m., with the transition area opening at the Ramon Mitra Jr. Sports Complex pool. The 2-kilometer run for the 11-15 bracket will start at 5:45 a.m. at the track oval, followed by the swim wave for the premier division at 6:15 a.m.
The 11-12 category and 11-15 relay teams will start at 6:40 a.m., followed by the 9-10 age group at 7:05 a.m. The youngest category (6-8) will conclude the event with a 7:30 a.m. start.
As young triathletes take to the water and the track, expect a day of inspiration, fierce competition, and a celebration of future champions—all proving that the road to triathlon greatness starts with IRONKIDS.
For more details, visit ironkidsphil.com.
