RECOGNIZING the promotional value of the event as it branches out into other sports, leading local sports apparel maker LGR Athletics Wear, Inc. has signed up to be the main sponsor of the opening Ironman 70.3 triathlon on March 2 in the scenic coastal city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
LGR executive vice president Rhayan Cruz announced the deal yesterday with Princess Galura, general manager of Sunrise Events, Ironman 70.3 triathlon organizer, during the first Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum for the year.
“This is a defining moment for LGR as we venture into triathlon and multi-sport events,” Cruz said, “because our commitment has always been to support Filipino athletes with light, durable, comfortable and quality sportswear.
“As a cyclist, I am also aware how important one’s sportswear must be to obtain high performance,” added the LGR chief in the public sports program backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, San Miguel Corp., Smart/PLDT, ArenaPlus and Milo.
To motivate the participating athletes, Galura disclosed that “we will be handing out custom-made LGR finisher’s shirts with their name’s initials for the first time for those who will be able to complete their events in Puerto Princesa.”
Men’s defending champion Mervin Santiago, who was also present in the session held at the LGR office showroom in Manila, said having a custom-made LGR finisher’s shirt “is a memorable memento to all of those who will take part in the race.”
Galura added that Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who has been the main force in turning the progressive Palawan provincial capital into a major sports tourism hub in the country, also sweetened the pot for the participating triathletes in the meet coinciding with the city’s annual “Balayong” (cherry blossom) festival.
“Pleased with the turnout of the previous edition, Mayor Bayron has promised a reward of P200,000 to the biggest delegation and P50,000 to the winners in various age groups,” she said.
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon, an endurance race featuring a 1.9-kilometer swim, 90k bike race and 21k run around the city, will start and end at the popular and well-managed Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
Also on tap are the Princesa Run on Feb. 28, the Ironkids Swim-Run and Kids Run on March 1 and the Sunrise Sprint, a short-distance triathlon ideal for beginners on March 2.
With triathletes from 43 countries expected to take part, the competition will have 45 slots across various age groups that will qualify for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled Nov. 8 to 9 in Marbella, Spain.
