Global athlete participation soars for Ironman 70.3 competition in Cebu, with representatives from 49 countries confirmed.
The Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu 2025, nicknamed the "Crown Jewel" of Asia's triathlon circuit, is set to take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in Lapu-Lapu City. The event, which has been held since 2012, will attract over 1,400 triathletes from 49 countries.
In the professional category, fifteen athletes from various countries are eyeing podium finishes. One of the favourites is Josh Ferris, who won the men's professional title in 2024 with a time of 3:49:11. Another contender is Amelia Rose Watkinson, who won the women's professional title in 2024 with a time of 4:14:22.
Sam Phillips, who boasts the fastest run split in 2024 and finished second, and Sam Osborne, who placed third in 2024, are also among the professional contenders. Returning professionals include Osborne from New Zealand, Caleb Noble from Australia, and Watkinson, the 2017 women’s pro champion.
The competition will consist of a 1.9-kilometer swim, a 90K bike ride, and a 21K run. This year's race will include the 8.9-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), the country's longest bridge, as part of the route.
Local Filipino triathletes like Kimberly Paquibot will compete in age-group categories rather than professionally. The event will also feature the Ironkids race on Saturday, gathering 600 young athletes from 10 countries.
Princess Galura, president of Sunrise Events Inc. and Ironman Philippines, confirmed the participant count during a press conference. The event involves significant coordination among various local authorities. In the past, the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has hosted thousands of athletes and the Asia-Pacific Championships.
In addition to the main event, the Sunrise Sprint event will take place during the weekend, primarily for Filipino participants. The Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu 2025 promises to be an exciting and challenging event for all participants, showcasing the best of the triathlon world in Asia.
[1] Source: Sunrise Events Inc. press release [2] Source: Philstar.com [3] Source: ABS-CBN News
The Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu 2025, set to take place in the Philippines, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City, is a significant sports event attracting over 1,400 triathletes from 49 countries, including local Filipino athletes like Kimberly Paquibot. The government of Cebu will play a role in coordinating this event, which promises to be an exciting and challenging spectacle for all participants.
