Young triathlon bets test mettle in IRONKIDS

PUERTO PRINCESA – The future of local triathlon take their turn to showcase their wares ahead of the elite pack of international triathletes as they dispute top honors in the IRONKIDS Philippines Saturday, November 11, at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex here.

One hundred and 25 kids clash in the swim and run event, which ushers in the centerpiece IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa Sunday, with four individual titles up for grabs in what promises to be a competitive and at the same time fun event among youngsters aged 6-15.

The 6-8 years title will be contested over the 100m-swim and 1km-run distance, the 9-10 crown over 150m swim and 1.5km run, the 11-12 over 200m swim and 1.5km run while the 13-15 trophy will be disputed over 250m swim and 2km run.

Also up for grabs in the event are the relay trophies, including the mixed team for 11-15 years old over 200m swim and 1.5km run and the mixed team for 6-10 over 100m swim and 1 km run.

The swim start for 13-15 will fire off at 6 a.m., while those in the 11-12 age group and the relay 11-15 category are set at 6:20 a.m. Those in the 9-10 and 6-8, along with relay 6-10) classes will start at 6:40 a.m. and 7 a.m., respectively.

Through the years, the IRONKIDS has provided the steady flow of triathlon talents while contributing to the growth of the sport. It also helps develop values like discipline, sportsmanship and respect for others and at the same time it encourages the youngsters to live an active lifestyle.

The Princesa Run, a 5K fun run event, kicked off the IRONMAN 70.3 weekend Friday.

Meanwhile, John Alcala is coming into his defense of the IM 70.3 crown in high spirits, armed with the progress of his buildup and a purpose to excel again in the premier 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1k run race.

While he looks forward to scoring back-to-back romp after a surprise win in the event’s inaugurals last year, the Dipolog City ace also expressed guarded optimism given the depth of the competing field, including a slew of foreign bidders from 38 other countries.

“I am strategizing regarding my game plans on race day since there are quite a few strong foreigners participating. Mas marami tayong babantayan at hahabulin,” said