MANILA — Baguio City triathlete Joshua Ramos is aiming for another podium appearance when he competes in the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao scheduled on March 22.
Fresh from capturing the Filipino Elite title in the 5150 Triathlon Guimaras on March 8, Ramos hopes to carry his strong form into the upcoming race as he shifts from the Olympic-distance format to the more demanding half-IRONMAN event.
The Olympic distance race covers a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run, while the IRONMAN 70.3 requires athletes to complete a longer course consisting of a 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike leg and a 21.1-km run.
Ramos, 24, described his Guimaras performance — where he finished in 2 hours and 14 minutes — as part of his preparation for the Davao competition.
“5150 Guimaras was just a fitness check since I’m preparing for IRONMAN 70.3 Davao,” he said.
After the Davao race, Ramos said he plans to join another IRONMAN 70.3 event and possibly compete in additional 5150 races later in the season.
The Davao leg is expected to feature a deeper and highly competitive field, along with a redesigned cycling course that could pose new tactical challenges for the participants.
Organizers said the updated route will test athletes’ pacing, technical skills and race strategy as they try to maintain speed while conserving energy.
Weather conditions may also play a role, as competitors are expected to face intense heat and humidity during race week.
Meanwhile, Bea Quiambao, a consistent winner in several 5150 events who skipped the Guimaras race, will headline the women’s Elite category.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao is part of the National Sports Tourism–Inter-Agency Council’s effort to promote the Philippines as a major destination for endurance sports.
The initiative, led by the Philippine Sports Commission with support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, highlights how international sporting events can boost both the country’s sports profile and tourism industry.
The race will attract participants from different countries competing in various age groups and the Open championship division.
This year’s edition will mark the fifth time Davao City hosts the IRONMAN 70.3, following a break in 2025.
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