Organizers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the successful staging of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines slated August 2, starting and ending at the Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.
A total of 2,616 triathletes from 52 countries will compete in the competition covering four cities
Foreign and local participants will start arriving on Wednesday, said Princess Galura, project director of the Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI).
“We’ve coordinated with the hotel management, we’ve rechecked the athletes’ list and we’ve printed out the program book for everyone,” said Galura.
“Lahat na ng pwede naming maisip na pwede naming gawin sa mga participants talagang ginagawa namin kahit magastos sa amin maibigay lang namin sa kanila ang best experience sa race,” Galura said.
“We’ve already unloaded our equipment at the Shangri-la and majority of our crew are already in Cebu. Basically, our last-minute preparations focused on patching up those little holes that might affect the entirety of the race,” she added.
Galura said that according to Kim Atienza, television weatherman who will compete in the event, participants can expect sunny weather on race day.
“Four days going to the race day, it will be sunny with a little bit of rain in the afternoon,” said Galura.
But organizers are not taking any chances.
“We’ve already offered eggs to the Carmelite sisters here in Cebu for prayers for a safe race and good weather. Our main concern is the weather. It’s beyond our control so we really pray hard for good weather and everyone’s safety during the race,” she added.
Galura said they are asking for the public’s understanding for the inconvenience that the competition will bring since some roads will be closed on race day.
A successful race will be a big boost for the province.
“We always have to put our best foot forward whether in terms of hospitality or cleanliness because the race will showcase the entire country. This is by far the biggest sporting event that is held annually here in the Philippines and it surely have a big impact on the economy of our country,” Galura said.