IM 70.3 ASIA PACIFIC RETURNS TO CEBU
Sunrise Events Inc. announces that Cebu will host the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific again in 2018 On SEI’s 10th anniversary, they will take on a huge task in staging the full distance Ironman in Subic
The triathlon scene in Cebu keeps getting bigger as the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship will return here next year.
Sunrise Events Inc (SEI), the company behind the Ironman events in the country, announced the Cebu will host the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship for the second time next year.
Cebu hosted it in 2016 and joined Australia and New Zealand as the only places to have hosted the biggest 1.9-kilometer swim, 90K bike and 21K race in the Asia-Pacific.
Cebu’s first hosting of the event in 2016 drew 3,000 participants from 50 countries. The race also started and ended at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
“In partnership with SEI, we are very happy to announce that the Asia Pacific Championships will be back in Cebu next year,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo during the ‘Meet the Pros’ press conference at the Marquee of Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.
SEI President Wilfred Steven Uytensu said that they’re thrilled to bring back the Asia-Pacific Championships to Cebu as part of SEI’s 10th anniversary.
“We want to continue to improve in our 10th anniversary. Next year, we have the (full) Ironman in Subic, and the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championships in Cebu,” he said.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said that with the coordination of everyone involved in this event, they’re all ready to take the task anew.
Meanwhile, the focus remains on the race this Sunday as 2,762 triathletes will test their prowess in the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines. The triathletes will compete in different divisions—the Pro, Asian Elite, Age Group and Relay.
A total of 27 pro triathletes will be competing for top honors led by two-time defending champion Tim Reed.
“I am nervous and excited at the same time in this race since there’s a lot of elite athletes competing. This will surely push me to another level,” said Reed.
Five- peat women’s pro champion Caroline Steffen of Switzerland will join the relay instead of defending her title in the pro division. Steffen is five months pregnant.
“I am joining the relay and I’m doing the swim. I’m looking forward to be back next year with my little one,” said Steffen.