PRINCESS GALURA
(CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
For organizers of the weekend’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, the weather come race day will be a crucial factor for the success of the event.
Bad weather can pose safety issues and could even lead to the cancellation of an event.
Sunrise Events Inc. (SWI) Project Director Princess Galura said they are not taking chances.
So, they’re banking on what they think is their strongest weapon against bad weather—prayers.
“Pinagdadasal natin lahat ng tao sa Manila, sa Cebu at sa Naga,” she said. (We’re letting people in Manila, Cebu and Naga pray.)
She said that in Naga City, they asked a priest who is also a triathlete to offer mass for good weather during race day.
Galura also said that they offered five dozen eggs to the Carmelite Monastery in Cebu and Manila.
It is a local tradition for Catholics to offer eggs to the Carmelite sisters to seek their intercession for special intentions, such as good weather.
The organizers’ favorite TV weatherman, Kim Atienza, earlier assured fine weather this weekend in Cebu.
Should the weather not cooperate on Saturday for the IronKids and Sunday for the main event, Galura said they have the authority to cancel any race.
In 2013, a downpour prompted organizers to cancel some of the races for the IronKids event on Saturday morning.
Safety is the top priority, said Galura. /UP Cebu Intern Mary Claire U. Catado