Close to 2,600 register for Cobra Ironman triathlon on August 2

CLOSE to 2,600 participants from 41 countries and seven continents have already registered for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 on August 2.

The organizer expects 2,600 participants this year including international triathletes and local celebrities like Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli and girlfriend Sarah Geronimo, among others.

Hembler Mendoza, Lapu-Lapu City tourism officer said, hotels are already fully booked  from July 30 to August 3.

Most participants booked rooms in Mövenpick Hotel and Resort, Be Resort, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Crown Regency and Waterfront Mactan Hotel and Casino while others chose hotels in Cebu City.

Mendoza said, project director Princess Galura of Sunrise Events Inc., the organizer of the triathlon event has conducted a series of meetings with local partners and local government units.

This year, Lapu-Lapu City Government will be the sponsor of the awarding ceremony and Cebu Province will host the Carbo loading event the night before the competition.  Ironkids will be held on

August 1 or a day before the Cobra Ironman 70.3 on August 2.

Lapu-Lapu City will once again recruit students as cheerers along the Ironman route for the bike and running leg.

There will be a cheer dance competition at the Amisa property in Barangay Punta Engaño, the turning point of the running leg, while vintas in the sea will serve as a festive backdrop to the swimming leg.

The Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines 2015 is the country’s seventh edition and the fourth staging in Cebu.  The first three events were held in Camarines Sur which started in 2009.