Unless the city can reach a new deal with Sunrise Events to host another Ironman event after the March 26 Alveo 70.3 Ironman race in Azuela Cove, this year's third staging of the Ironman in the city will be the last one, according to City Sports Development Division head Mikey Aportadera.
During the weekly Ispeak news session on March 23, Aportadera said, "Mayor Baste Duterte will decide whether Davao City will host another Ironman event."
After this year's Ironman race, according to Aportadera, the mayor will review the experience and decide whether the city will host the race again.
A total of 49 countries consisting of more than 1,719 tri-athletes are set to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon race.
The 1.9k swim-90k bike-21k race will be placed on the same route as Davao's successful stagings of the Ironman 70.3 in 2018 and 2019, won by Mexican Mauricio Mendez and German Markus Rolli, respectively.
Filipe Azevedo of Portugal, Tuan Chun Chang of Taiwan, Matthew Tonge, and Nick Carling lead the cast in the main event division, the only pro race scheduled this year. The women's championship is expected to be contested by experienced Dimity-Lee Duke, fellow Australian Sarah Crowley, and Lottie Lucas of the United Arab Emirates.
The IronKids on March 25 and the Ladies Fun Run on March 24 will liven up the occasion.
In addition to the solo, all-male, all-female, and mixed relay competitions, there is also a competition for the 18–24 age group as well as the 25–29, 30-34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, and 65–69 age groups. Alveo, Petron, Lungsod ng Dabaw, Azuela Cove, Davao Light, Lightwater, Prudential Guarantee, One Sport, and Cignal all provide financial support for it. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)