2012 Ironman 70.3 Philippines

August 5: Ironman 70.3 Philippines, Cebu

Beautiful Cebu island was the location for this year’s race as the organizers were keen to make it the Asian version of Kona’s 70.3. A great chance to catch up with Sonic members in the region, it was a good turn-out for the club.

Competitors were nervous leading up to the race with choppy seas and windy conditions but as the big day broke, the weather calmed. The one-loop 1.9k swim leg was like swimming through an aquarium as fish and coral lined the course and boats with drums and live bands helped keep rhythm. The bike course around Cebu island was hot and windy, with a sort of cross-country element as riders sped over bridges and tunnels. The run is where the real battle began as competitors began to suffer from the heat.

Philip Penaloza

Gabriel just on 6 hrs

But Sonic’s Gabriel managed to finish the race in his targeted six hours. Gigi recovered from an attack of shingles only to sadly drop out after the 1.9k swim and 90k bike. Ren Ho finished strong in 5:49:32. Other finishers included Sonic Singapore SuMei Teh and her boyfriend David Sandgren after three months of hard training. Kent Wong, our Tri-HK President Philip Penaloza and Joni Lai also finished.

Su Mei and David

Su Mei and Gigi

Gabriel race report: http://freeyasoul.blogspot.hk/2012/08/ironman-703-philippines-2012.html was also highlighted by official website

Jenson Button

The race featured local celebrities and British top Formula One racer Jenson Button and his super model girlfriend Jessica Michibata who turned themselves into triatheletes for the day.

Jessica Michibata

More photos on Sonic Facebook!

2013 Ironman 70.3 Philippines registration opens on 1st December, 9am.