Celebrities brace for Ironman

CEBU, Philippines - Celebrities will not just be gracing this year’s most anticipated sports event, they’d be participating in the competition too as Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines and Alaska Ironkids Triathlon returns to Cebu for its fifth year on August 3-4, 2013.

Isabelle Daza, an Ironman 70.3 first timer, will be having her first big race. She will be doing a full triathlon, which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run. Matteo Guidicelli who was first known for his racing career has gotten into triathlon with his dad as his biggest influence. There’s Erwan Heusaff, Drew Arellano and Kim Atienza who are all active triathletes. Piolo Pascual on the other hand will be joining the bike relay.  Other celebrities who have signed up for the event are Solenn Heusaff, Pia Cayetano and Raffy Tima.

This year, more big-name triathletes are expected to compete.  For the professional division, there’s Pete Jacobs, a 3-time Ironman Philippines 1st placer and Chris McCormack, a two-time Ironman World Champion to watch out for. Amongst the ladies, there’s Caroline Steffen of Alaska Team TBB, the defending women’s champion and Belinda Granger, 12x Ironman Distance Triathlon Champion.

The finisher’s medals and winner’s trophies to be awarded during the event are designed by world-renowned furniture designer and proud Cebuano, Kenneth Cobonpue.

On August 3, the Alaska Ironkids Triathlon will kick-start the event. Alaska Ironkids is an event open for kids aged 6 to 14 years old with the goal of promoting a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle to show them that being healthy can also be fun.

For more information, check out the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines website, www.ironman703phil.com and www.ironkidsphil.com for Alaska IronKids. (FREEMAN)