13 top female triathletes vie in Mactan IM

THIRTEEN intrepid women of diverse backgrounds and abilities test their limits in Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Lapu-lapu in Mactan that features a 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race on a world-class racecourse.

This guarantees an unpredictable finish in a race marking the return of professional athletes and the premier endurance event presented by Megaworld and The Mactan Newton to Cebu.

“is is my inaugural IM 70.3 in Asia and I anticipate a challenging race,” said Germany’s Anne Reischmann, a three-time top 10 finisher in the 70.3 World Championships. “I’ve heard many positive reviews, particularly about the energetic crowds along the run course. So, I’m definitely excited.”

e forthcoming event, which has so far attracted 1,353 entries in various individual age categories and relay events, also offers coveted slots to this year’s Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand in December, with 45 available across various age group categories.

Fifteen slots are also earmarked to promote female participation to underscore the event’s commitment to gender equity in sports.

To ensure the seamless staging and success of the event organized by

e Ironman Group, the host city has maintained constant coordination with the organizers and event partners since January.

“We’ve collaborated closely with industry partners to ensure that all participants enjoy a relaxing, unique and unforgettable experience in our city,” Lapu-lapu City Rep. Cynthia Chan said. “Our hope is that they will not only finish the race strongly, but also immerse themselves in the warmth, hospitality and beauty of the Lapu-lapu City community.”

Australian Aleisha Wesley, holder of multiple titles in duathlon, sprint and standard distances, emerges as a prominent figure, determined to clinch her first IM 70.3 crown after a fifth-place finish in Melbourne last year. Multi-titled Dimity-lee Duke, a familiar face in the local scene, seeks to relive her past triumphs, including a breakthrough win in Subic 5150 in 2017. e United Arab Emirates’ Lottie Lucas, who finished third in last year’s IM 70.3 Davao, is also expected to contend, along with Els Vissner of the Netherlands, who placed 15th in last year’s World Championships and recently secured a runner-up finish in the IM New

Zealand.