Ironman 70.3 peaceful; but review of route urged

CEBU, Philippines — Yesterday’s staging of Ironman 70.3 in Cebu, which kicked off and ended in Mactan Island was generally peaceful, authorities said.

In a speech during the event’s closing ceremony, Lapu-Lapu Mayor Junard Chan said the city would welcome Ironman again in years to come.

He said the problems encountered yesterday were minor and were dealt with immediately without compromising the race and the athletes.

The police in Lapu-Lapu City said no crime was recorded during the event.

“During that time, walay crime… zero percent crime rate,” said Lapu-Lapu Police Director Carlito Baja.

The situation was the same in Mandaue City, said the city’s police chief, Police Col. Jonathan Abella, except for the time when a biker figured in a mishap at the boundary of Mandaue City and Cebu City.

Dr. Peter Mancao, medical director of Ironman 70.3, said that while there were no major accidents or injuries, organizers should review the route next time around as there were reportedly very sharp turns like those in Mandaue City, which were difficult for athletes to navigate.

He also advised athletes not to be complacent and ensure that they are well-hydrated throughout the race. He observed that several of them took their hydration for granted and eventually suffered from exhaustion and dehydration.

The athletes started the race with a 1.9-kilometer swim from Shangri-La Mactan to the transition point near the Mactan Newtown. Then then biked 90 kilometers to Mandaue City and then to Cebu City where they made a turn at the South Road Properties before cycling back to Mactan. The race was capped with a 21-kilometer run to the finish line at the Shangri-La resort.

Australian Tim Reed and Swiss Caroline Steffen were big champions in the premier division yesterday barely two months after re-claiming their respective crowns in IRONMAN 70.3 in Subic. (FREEMAN)