PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – The vibrant city of Puerto Princesa is set to host an unforgettable weekend of endurance, community, and celebration as over 1,000 participants from more than 40 countries, across all three weekend events converge for the IRONMAN® 70.3 Puerto Princesa weekend starting February 27 – March 2, 2025. Beyond the main event, an array of races and festivities will engage participants of all ages and skill levels, making for a truly immersive multisport experience. The IRONMAN weekend coincies with the Balayong Festival which also commemorates the City’s Foundation day.
A Weekend of Racing and Celebration
The excitement kicks off on February 28 with the 2GO Princesa Run, a women-focused fitness event drawing over 300 participants. The following day, March 1, shines the spotlight on the next generation of endurance athletes with the RLC IRONKIDS Swim-Run and IRONKIDS Run, offering young competitors the chance to experience the thrill of racing. Meanwhile, the Sunrise Sprint, a short-distance triathlon, provides both beginners and seasoned athletes with a fast and accessible challenge.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere is Puerto Princesa’s Balayong Festival, a citywide celebration of its iconic cherry blossoms, further enhancing the festive race weekend experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron expressed his excitement for the upcoming race, highlighting its significance beyond just competition:
“It is with great pride and excitement that we host the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2, 2025. This event is not just a test of endurance, strength, and determination but also a celebration of the unstoppable human spirit. We salute each and every one of you for the dedication and perseverance you have put into training for this prestigious race. This event is more than just a race; it is an opportunity to embrace new challenges, build friendships, and experience the heart and soul of our city.”
Sunrise Events Inc. (SEI), the organizer of IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa, remains dedicated to providing top-tier race experiences that unite athletes and communities alike. Princess Galura, SEI President and Managing Director, emphasized the impact of the event:
“At Sunrise Events, we are committed to delivering world-class races that not only challenge athletes but also inspire communities. IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa is a testament to the power of endurance sports in bringing people together—from elite competitors to first-time racers, from local supporters to international visitors. This race is more than just a test of physical limits; it is an opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Princesa, embrace the warmth of its people, and celebrate the unbreakable human spirit. We are excited to welcome athletes from around the world and look forward to an unforgettable race weekend.”
A Revamped and Faster Course for 2025
The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa promises an exhilarating new race experience with a redesigned, faster, and more scenic course. Race Director Julian Valencia unveiled significant course enhancements, including a reconfigured bike leg and an all-new run route through the heart of the city.
“We’ve refined our bike course to be not only faster but also more picturesque, and our new run course offers athletes an immersive experience of Puerto Princesa’s charm,” said Valencia.
Athletes will take on the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run, testing their endurance against a world-class field.
Elite Competition on the Start Line
The race will feature a competitive lineup of both local and international talent. Philippine standouts Mervin Santiago, Sebastian Julian Teves, and Jeremy Ruiz will battle for the podium in the men’s division, while Bianca Española, Mary Pauline Fornea, Nina Pascua, and Melody Amorin lead the charge in the women’s race. They will face top international contenders, including Thailand’s Anna Lobanova, Indonesia’s Citra Melati, Japan’s Mitsuki Tanaka-Tan, and the US’ Megan Brazell.
Sunrise Events Philippines has also confirmed the participation of elite triathletes from South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada, Germany, South Africa, and beyond, adding to the race’s global prestige.
Special Competitions and Awards
The IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa will host the Badge Tally Competition, rewarding IRONMAN-affiliated TriClubs with points for every member who participates in the IRONMAN 70.3, 5150, and Sunrise Sprint events. These points contribute to cash rewards throughout the 2025 Triathlon Season.
The Puerto Princesa Championship Awards will recognize outstanding achievements, offering:
• ₱50,000 each to the First Filipino Finisher (male and female)
• ₱200,000 to the IRONMAN-affiliated TriClub with the most participants in the IRONMAN 70.3 and Sunrise Sprint races
Personalized Race Gear for Athletes
Adding to the race-day excitement, LGR Athletic Wears Inc. introduces customizable athlete shirts, allowing participants to personalize their official race gear with their names and race numbers, creating a meaningful keepsake from this prestigious event.
The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 in Puerto Princesa is backed by Global Premier Partners – AG1, Breitling 1884, Fulgaz, Hoka, Hyperice, Qatar Airways, Roka, TicketSocket, TriDot, Zoot, wahoo; Supplier Partners Asia – Always Advancing, Compressport; Host City Puerto Princesa; Official Water Amlan; Official Electrolyte Beverage ion+; Sponsors LGr, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, Robinsons Supermarket, Sante, Teresa Marvel; Media Partners One sports+, Cignal, Sportograf. Organized and produced by Sunrise Events Inc.
IRONMAN® 70.3 Puerto Princesa promises not only a true test of endurance, strength, and determination but also an unforgettable racing experience in a tropical paradise. For more details about the event, please visit https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-puerto-princesa or contact Sai Aliman-Mayol at [email protected].