MANILA, Philippines — A new challenge and exhilarating racing experience await an expected banner international field in the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines. With a newly introduced run course along the scenic Davao City Coastal Road, this Aug. 11 event promises a unique and scenic challenge that organizers and hosts believe will make it a race to remember.

Athletes will swim 1.9km parallel to the coast, bike 90km towards the MacArthur Highway, and return to the coastal road for a 21.1km run to the finish line.

"We are committed to making this year's IRONMAN 70.3 Davao even more remarkable. The new course along the Davao City Coastal Road will bring a fresh challenge," said Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, expressing excitement over their fourth hosting of the annual event organized by The IRONMAN Group.

"To hold this event in Davao City for the fourth time truly brings prestige to us Dabawenyos. We are thrilled to welcome back the organizers, honored guests, and especially the athletes from around the country and the world," he added.

Duterte assured the safety of all participants, spectators and guests, emphasizing that comprehensive safety and health protocols will be implemented and the city's culture of security will be rigorously upheld to ensure a safe and enjoyable IRONMAN 70.3 experience for all.

Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Mayor Jose Nelson Sala also praised the organizers, partners, sponsors and the entire Dabawenyo community for hosting the event, noting that it underscores the Davao Region's suitability for international events and highlights the area's safety and security for local and foreign tourists. The municipality plays a key role in the race by hosting a 10km segment of the bike route via the MacArthur Highway.

"This administration recognizes sports tourism as a potent strategy for promoting socio-economic development and positive image-building for a locality in Mindanao," Sala said.

Since 2018, the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao has enjoyed strong support from the local community. The city comes alive with cultural shows, festivities and a competitive team spirit, attracting athletes from across the Philippines and around the world.

Sponsored by Aboitiz Power with Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink as a partner, the event is part of the 39th Kadayawan Festival, celebrating local cuisine, tribal products and cultural showcases.

Adding to the excitement is the IRONKIDS event on Aug. 10, a duathlon featuring a run-bike-run competition for athletes aged 6-15, with RLC Residences as the main sponsor. There will also be a special IRONKIDS run, with a 1km course for kids aged 6-10 and a 3km course for those aged 11-15.

Kicking off the IRONMAN weekend is the 2GO Gwapa Dabawenya Run on Aug. 9, a 5k fun run that has already attracted 2,000 participants.

Registration remains open. For details, visit ironman.com/im703-davao-philippines.

The event is backed by VinFast, Active, HOKA, ROKA, and Breitling (global premier partners); Athletic Brewing Co., FulGaz, Hyperice, Qatar Airways, Santini, AG1, and Wahoo (global technical partners); Always Advancing, Compressport, Ekoi, and Nirvana (Asia supplier partners); and media partners Outside+ and Sportograf. TMT