Ironman 70.3 Davao exceeds expectations

THE Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao, which is slated March 25 next year, exceeded expectations, a city official said.

Sports Development Division-City Mayors Office (SDD-CMO) office-in-charge Michael Denton "Mikey" Aportadera, in yesterday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at the NCCC Mall Food Cove function hall, said the Davao City edition of the renowned Ironman 70.3 has not yet closed registration although the 1,500 slots were already filled up.

"Many participants are on the waiting list. We are just waiting for the final count in the coming weeks for the final number of registrants," Aportadera said, adding that they also consider to accommodate the waiting list.

The organizer Sunrise Events Inc. according to Aportadera, did not anticipate the huge turnout in Davao, which is hosting the triathlon race for the first time.

He added that they coordinated with neighboring local government units (LGUs) where the bike route will pass - Panabo City, Carmen Municipality and Tagum City.

'"Nag storya nami sa mga mayor just last week and we already briefed unsa ang mahitabo ug unsa ang nature sa event. Very receptive man pud sila kay first time pud na maabot sa ilaha ang Ironman na event (We already talked with the mayors just last week and briefed the flow and nature of the event. They were very receptive since it is also first time for Ironman to reach their areas)," the SDD-CMO chief said.

Aportadera reiterated the possibility of three-time Ironman 70.3 men's champion Timothy James "Tim" Reed of Australia in joining the Davao staging. "Since he is part of Alaska Team and Alaska has always been present sa lahat ng mga Ironman events sa Philippines," he said.