A scorching day in Davao

Ricky, Melvin, Paul, Kris, Kayle, Renz, R-nold, and Ria represents Team TriNics in Davao

The first Alveo Ironman 70.3 in Davao attracted a lot of attention when announced more than a year ago. In fact, the event sold out first before Cebu which was the Asia Pacific Championship last 2018. Rave reviews also came in after the race itself which further captured the interest of more triathletes.

A solid support from the LGU, a fast race course, and a very generous pre and post-race feast for participants were just some of the positive feedbacks from athletes.

Come March 24, 2019 and the 2nd iteration of the Alveo Ironman 70.3 saw eight participants from Team TriNics flying all the way from Manila to experience first-hand what Davao racing feels like. With a mixture of experienced 70.3 triathletes such as team founder Ricky Halasan, Melvin Cruz, Paul Richard Santiago, Renz Sabinorio, and Ria Alban leading promising new comers R-nold Gonzalez, Kris Dinglasn, and Kayle Borlongan; the event shaped up to be an interesting one for the Team.

The Davao Experience

Logistics is perhaps the toughest part of racing and this is where Davao shines given the proximity of the airport t Azuela Cove and the abundance of hotels near the race venue. One can easily bike to check their gears in and bike back after the race as the venue is situated along the main highway.

Team TriNics after a short swim recon

Pre-race festivities include the usual ride, swim, and run outs with access to the expo area for those looking to find great deals and last minute race items. The expo area itself is big and cold- a very conducive place to stay given the scorching weather outside. It's definitely bigger that Cebu's (Shangri La) but not as spacious as Subic (SBEC). Only selected vehicles can enter the vicinity which were all tied with the official hotels. If you will drop by via Taxi, you will need to walk a few meters inside via a covered walkway.

New Balance and Arena opened up a booth with great deals for swim and run

The Team with Sir Jerry Santos of Ceepo Bikes Philippines

Kris claiming his kit for his first ever 70.3

Day 2 of the expo and people are coming in

Micah and Nica playing with Kulintang- a Mindanao experience indeed

Team founder and ninong Ricky Halasan taking pictures of our newly weds Melvin and Grace

The Unison booth displaying the Ceepo Shadow

Security is tight too but not to a suffocating degree. Police visibility is high giving you that feeling of being secure everywhere.

The Girls are Everywhere

Our girls Jen, Steph, Micah, Erlie, and Grace going full throttle for 5K

And we mean literally as March 22, 2019 marked the 2019 Herbalife Nutrition Irongirl 5K Run. At exactly 5PM, women from different parts of the country gave the term 'Run like a girl' a new meaning with the top finishers clocking in at under 20 minutes!

The race took the participants from within Azuela Cove, out to the main road and back in. It only took a few hours for the registration to close a few weeks back.

Given the experience and freebies you get, it definitely was bang for your buck. And did we also mention that cool looking medal?

Carbs is Life

The Team during the pre-race program. We had our more than enough share of lechon that night.

The calm before the storm as they say

Fire dancers living life dangerously as usual

One of the highlights of the race is the pre-race dinner aka carb loading party. Other than the abundance of food and buffet tables, the event also featured a short show of fire dancers and music. It was a very pleasant experience highlighting the hospitality of the people of Davao City. Supporters were also able to go in once all athletes were seated down. It's a more relaxed and inviting set-up given that most of the participants came there with their loved ones.

A Scorching Day Down South

As expected, race day was scorching hot despite the typhoon that narrowly passed the city a few days back. The swim leg featured currents which participants described as unpredictable and hard to navigate. Some were even not fortunate enough to meet the tight 70 minute cut-off time.

Hot would be an understatement to describe the run as it was not just scorching hot but clouds were also scarce during the run leg. The only place one can find solace from the sun is under an overpass. Other than that,you just really have to gut it out. Hydration stations also have ample of cold water for cooling down- a big necessity given the temperature that day.

Hot would be an understatement to describe the run as it is not just scorching hot but clouds were also scarce during the run leg. The only place one can find solace from the sun is under an overpass. Other than that, you just really have to gut it out. Hydration stations also have ample of cold water for cooling down- a big necessity given the temperature that day.

At the end of the race, Markus Rolli finished 1st overall followed by Crowie Alexander (a literal and figurative ironman indeed), and Tim Van Berkel at 3rd for the men.

Radka Kahlefeldt completed a back to back topping the Pro Women's category followed by Carol Steffen and Kirralee Seidel respectively.

August Bendicto was flawless as usual as the first Filipino finisher who crossed the line just 4 minutes and eight seconds after the top finisher.

For Team TriNics, Ria Alban broke into the top 10 in her age category finishing 9th despite being under the weather while Kris, Kayle, and Renz finished below 6 hours clocking at 5:50, 5:39, and 5:50 respectively.

It was indeed another memorable weekend for everyone. The race was not perfect but very enjoyable still giving athletes more things to look forward to next year.

Thank you Davao!

TriNic’s strong showing will not be possible without the support of our sponsors, such as Unison Bikes, New Balance Philippines, Ceepo Bikes Philippines, Arena Philippines, Compressport Philippines, Twincycle Gear, Bikemate, Oakley Philippines, PSI Custom Sportswear, and TECSI.