A record number of 150 participants will be competing in the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon early today at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.
The number of participants surpassed the 95 that the same event gathered in Camarines Sur last year.
The Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon is the junior counterpart of the world-renowned triathlon event IronMan. It will have 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 age groups.
Of the total 150, about 40 are from Cebu. Among the Cebuanos is seven-year-old Cesar Kristofer Salimbangon, who will be competing in the 6-8 category.
“I believe that I can be a champion,” said Salimbangon, who will be joined by his sister, Kristin Renee (11-12 years old category.)
The two are new to the sport. They are actually tennis players and are using triathlon as their cross training.
The Salimbangons said they are excited about the event before because it’s their first time.
Even with the presence of the defending champions, the two said they are not intimidated and will be doing their best.
Expected to defend their titles are frontrunners and early race favorites Tara Borlain and Eric Almendral, last year’s winners in the 6-8; Sophia Marie Vizcarra and Lance Vincent Plaza, winners of the 11-12; and Magali Echauz and Justine Kyle Mapalo, winners of the 13-14 category.
CEBU IRONKIDS
Among the Cebuano kids to watch out for are the Chiongbian brothers—Justin, 13, and Yuan, 11.
Justin will compete in the 13-14 category while Yuan sees action in the 11-12 category.
Justin, just in his fourth month in triathlon, placed second in the 2012 Century Tuna SuperTriKids held at the Plantation Bay, fourth in the Ayala Alabang STK Tri, first in all legs of the Cong. Red Durano Tri Series and 10th in his first international race—the ITU SUBIT International Triathlon.
Yuan, on the other hand, is also making waves in the 11-12 category. He has so far placed first in all the competitions he has joined.
Others noted Cebuanos in the event are Mya Torralba (under 7 category), Nina Villaba (girls 11-12), brothers Eduard Russel and Ralph Eduard So, and Ana Patricia Maximo.