BACK as a tri-race, the Ironkids set on June 10 promises to be another huge hit among the future of Philippine triathlon — all ready and eager to mix it up for top honors in various age-group categories at the Subic Bay Boardwalk.
The event, which traditionally ushers in the big Ironman races of each triathlon season, was held as a swim and run race the last time out in Davao as the organizing Ironman Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. introduced new distances to encourage more participation. It also added an extra year in the premier side that saw those in the 15-year-old bracket compete as part of their buildup for bigger competitions ahead.
The event will again be a swim-bike-run race, guaranteeing a spirited battle in a competitive but friendlier setting in four age-group classes in the individual competition and two in relay category.
The 6-8 years old bracket will be staged over the 100-m swim, 2-km bike and 1-km run distance, the 9-10 crown will be contested over the 150-m swim, 4-km bike and 1.5-km run stretch, and hostilities in the 11-12 division will be held over the 200-m, 4-km bike and 1.5-km span.
The centerpiece 13-15 age class will be staged over 250-m swim, 6-km bike and 2-km run distance with participants already winners in more ways than just emerging victorious from the event kicking off a weekend of top-notch endurance racing culminating in the Century Tuna full Ironman and Subic Ironman 70.3 on June 11.
The Ironkids relay category will feature the mixed team for 6-10 age bracket set over the 100-m swim, 2-km bike and 1-km run distance while the 11-15 division is a 200-m swim, 4-km bike and 1.5-km run competition.