Cebu (CNN Philippines, August 6) — Despite rainshowers early in the morning, at least 2,700 athletes headed down to the beach in Mactan Island, Cebu for the opening of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon event.
The swim course at the Mactan Channel is a 1.9 kilometer loop followed by a 90 kilometer bicycle course which covers the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay. This will be followed by a 21 kilometer run within Lapu-Lapu City.
There was a delay of about 30 minutes before the gun start due to some technical glitches, but the race was able to smoothly continue with 27 pro athletes positioning ahead of others.
All athletes were able to start the race and most of them have finished the swim course and are already racing with their bikes.
Ryan Fisher and Tim Reed of Australia are currently on the lead for the male pro category while the women’s pro is dominated by New Zealand’s Amelia Watkinson.
The Philippines Kim Kilgroe, on the other hand, is trailing behind Watkinson.
In the four cities here in Cebu, roads are closed along Punta Engano to Airport Access Road up until Marcelo Fernan bridge for the next 8 hours
Cebu City’s Port Area road, SRP tunnel, and Cebu South Coastal Road will also be inaccessible until 1 p.m. today.
Security is also tight around Metro Cebu especially near the swim-bike-run courses
