DAVAO CITY—A segment of the Davao-Cotabato Road stretching from Bago-Aplaya in Davao City to the Seaoil depot in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur will be closed during the Ironman 70.3 Davao on August 11, 2024.
“From the Bago Aplaya side of the Coastal Road all the way going to Sta. Cruz particularly up to the Seaoil that the road will be closed from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hopefully the public won’t mind too much the inconveniences caused by the event,” Davao City administrator Atty. Dwight Domingo said during the recent Ironman 70.3 press conference held in Arcadia, Davao City.
He said the particular section of the road has no alternative routes as compared to the previous route held from Azuela Cove in Davao City to Tagum in Davao del Norte.
The stretch of the Davao Coastal Road from Times Beach to Bago Aplaya will also be closed as it will be used for the race. The 21.1 kilometer run segment will be held on the road while the 1.9-kilometer swim course will be held parallel to the coastal road.
Domingo noted that the city is fully supportive of Ironman in the city as it has been proven to be successful in bringing beneficial impact particularly in tourism and in the economy.
“We truly value it (hosting of Ironman) that’s why in the preparations we will spare no expense security-wise, responders medical and everything that is a continuing undertaking and practicing until everybody is in tiptop shape,” Domingo said.
He said that while the participating triathletes are training for the event, the city government is also doing its own training.
According to Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events, the organizer of Ironman 70.3 they are expecting 4,000 participants coming from 29 countries to join Ironman 70.3 and other affiliate races; the Ironkids and Gwapa Dabawenya Fun Run.
“All systems go, as we said 2,000 na participants na ang Gwapa Dabawenya, more than 50 na ang sa RFC (Ironkids)mga 1,000 na yung sa 70.3 so tuloy-tuloy pa rin tayo nagtra-trabaho hanggang August 11,” Galura said.
(There are 2,000 participants for Gwapa Dabawenya, more than 50 for the RFC Ironkids and 1,000 for the 70.3 we are working continuously until August 11)
A new event, the Gwapa Dabawenya is an all-inclusive 5-kilometer fun run set on August 9 at the Davao City Coastal Road. In celebration of the inclusivity theme instead of race bib, participants will be given a sash (with attached bib number) and in lieu of a finisher’s medal those who completed the race will have crowns.
Galura said the Gwapa Dabawenya was immediately sold-out hours after the registration was opened. (RGA/PIA Davao Region)
