LOCAL triathletes brace for a battle of strength, speed and staying power not only in quest of top podium finishes in their respective age categories in the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa but also in chase of coveted berths to this year’s world championship in New Zealand.
The 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim, 90km (56-mile) and 21.1km (13.1-mile) run event on Sunday (Nov. 12) is offering 40 age-group qualifying slots plus an additional 15 spots for women to the 2024 VinFast Ironman World Championship on Dec. 14-15 in Taupo, a town near the center of New Zealand’s North Island.
Bidders from 39 countries are all primed for battle in various age group divisions on a world-class, challenging course in a one-of-a-kind racing experience in Puerto Princesa, which is pulling out all the stops to guarantee a successful hosting of the event for the second straight year.
“We cheered you on in 2023 and this year, we are again rooting for all participating triathletes, who are out to prove their stamina in a display of great physical as well as mental endurance,” said Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron.