Lighter side of Ironman

LAPU-LAPU City Mayor Paz Radaza will give an honorary title to two male and two female athletes (foreign and local) as “Lapu-Lapu” and “Bulakna” after the chieftain of Mactan island who vanquished Ferdinand Magellan and Spanish invaders in 1521 and his native wife.

The award will be chosen among the top age-groupers in the Ironman 70.3.

Each of the four winners will receive P15,000 each.

The giant white tent or Marquee in the Shangrila Mactan resort was teeming with athletes for registration yesterday.

Many had their eyes on 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button and his Japanese model girlfriend Jessica Michibata.

Some fans approached Button, who graciously let them take a photo with him.

No ambush interviews are allowed though.

He clammed up during an encounter the day before when a reporter switched on a tape recorder.

Button will be competing in the 30-34 age group category while Michibata will do the relay with John Pages, president of the Sportswriters Association of Cebu. Michibata has decided to do the swim.

This afternoon, Ironman participants will try out the bike course from Shangri-La to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and back.

A press conference called “Meet the Pros” will introduce professional or licensed triathletes to the public./Correspondent Mars G. Alison