NO IRONMAN IN CEBU IN 2020
THE annual stop of the Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu has been moved to Aug. 1, 2021 as the country continues to reel from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers of the event made the announcement on their official Facebook page, citing the health and safety of everyone involved as the reason for the postponement. The popular triathlon, which attracts thousands of participants from all over the world, was slated on Aug. 9, 2020.
“With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and in alignment with the City of Lapu-Lapu in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Philippines Powered by Philam Vitality triathlon, originally scheduled for Aug. 9, cannot take place in 2020 and will return on Aug. 1, 2021,” read the statement.
This marks the very first time that Cebu will not have the Ironman event ever since it moved to Cebu in 2012. Organizers assured registered participants that they will be sent an email, apprising them of the situation.
“All registered athletes of the 2020 Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Philippines Powered by Phialm Vitality triathlon will be receiving an email with further information,” the statement continued.
The organizers also vowed to give the athletes a more meaningful race experience next year.
“In what has been a continually evolving and challenging time globally, we recognize that this may come as a disappointment but look forward to providing athletes with an exceptional race experience in the future,” the statement said.
Three cities share joint responsibilities in the staging of the event. These are Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue City. However, they all differ in statuses with Cebu City remaining under enhanced community quarantine while Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue City are under general community quarantine.