DAVAO CITY, 29 March 2018: The Philippines successful launched the Alveo Ironman 70.3 triathlon last Sunday in this premier Mindanao city and hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Thousands of people welcomed more than 2,000 competitors in the different categories of this prestigious international sporting event that featured 21 world champions, including men’s professional big winner Mauricio Mendez of Mexico.
Department of Tourism secretary, Wanda Tulfo Teo, said tens of thousands foreign and domestic visitors descended in Davao City for the spectacle race, staying in hotel resorts in the area that were fully booked days before the three-day event started.
“Once more, we have showcased Davao City as an outstanding venue for major international events and as a safe haven for truly great fun experience,” said Teo, who was previously a Davao travel entrepreneur before taking the DOT’s top post.
Both Teo and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to facilitate and host other popular sports events this year, including a segment of the World’s Strongest Man competition next month in the backdrop of immense Mount Apo.
“I’ve been wanting to host the Ironman here. I am very happy that it’s here now and we welcome you all wholeheartedly,” Mayor Duterte-Carpio said during the media day at the Ayala Land’s Azuela Cove in Davao City’s Lanang district.
The triathlon included a 1.9 km swim, followed by a 90-km bike race, and ended with a 21.1 km run.
A record-high 1,800 professional athletes from 39 countries like Australia, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, United States, South Africa and the Czech Republic competed the nine-hour event.
“Tourism does not only seek to promote destinations, but also promote wellness for local and international visitors, and Mindanao offers a complete package for holistic health and fitness as well as nature adventure,” said Teo.
Teo said the event is aligned with the DOT’s “Go South” programme to promote destinations such as Siargao, Samal Island, Camiguin, Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi, and Mindanao.
