Ironkids
Barring any sudden changes in the weather today, everything looks good for the Alaska Ironkids.
The triathlon event for kids aged six to 14 kicks off at 6 a.m. starting at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. This is a prelude to the prestigious Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon that will be held tomorrow.
Princess Galura, project director of the organizing Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI), said the projected weather for today will be sunny with chances of rain, making it perfect for the race.
“The weather will be the same until Sunday. We are happy because this will surely contribute to the success of the race,” Galura said.
Still, organizers will be closely monitoring the weather to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
“We are still staying vigilant. Let’s pray everything will be safe and successful this weekend,” Galura added.
Last year, the 8-under and 9-10 years old categories were canceled at the last minute because the weather suddenly turned bad.
Meanwhile, 36 junior triathletes signed up at the last minute, bringing the total number of participants to 177. Last year, 200 joined the race.
Alaska Milk Corporation project manager Yam Maramba said they decided to withhold the names of some of the junior triathletes for security reasons. She said this was the idea suggested by parents of some of the participants.
“But the top contenders and foreign junior triathletes from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Netherlands will be joining,” Maramba said.
The top contenders include 13-14 years old division defending champions Arno Baetz of Hong Kong and Dipolog City’s Shia Ruth Uy.
Other noted junior triathletes include Ralph Eduard So, Aaliyah Ricci Mataragnon, Issa Priagula and the Chiongbian siblings, Yuan and Savannah.