Exciting Alaska IronKids triathlon gets underway

CEBU, Philippines -  The future stars of Ironman take centerstage as the finale of the 2015 Alaska IronKids unwraps today at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

A total of 174 participants led by many-time champion Tara Borlain will see action in the junior version of Ironman Philippines. Borlain and her male counterpart Juan Banqued are hoping to sweep all the champion's trophies in this year's Alaska IronKids after ruling their respective divisions under the 11-12 class in the two aquathlons and the first IronKids held in Subic last March.

Tara is extra-motivated to win the final battle and hopefully have another memorable outing in Cebu after she was deprived of the crown last year by her older sister Samantha.

The good thing for the Borlain sisters is that Sam and Tara are in different age brakets. Aside from the two, Franchezka Borlain is also to watch out for under the 6-8 class.

Franchezka's way up, however, will not be easy as she has to contend with Cebu's top bets in Dhexia Myle Galo and Savvy Chiongbian.

Expectations are also high for Savvy's brother Yuan, especially after his successful stint in the Singapore International Triathlon last week.

Justin Yu, Lorraine Hann and a bunch of young aspiring triathletes under coach Love Casidsid are also all set to showcase their wares well against the visiting triathletes.

The organizing Sunrise Events, Inc. is making this year's Alaska Ironkids more fun and exciting by adding the "play" event with a short and long courses for non-competitive youngsters.

The categories for the competitive side include 6-8, 9-10,11-12 and 13-14 for both boys and girls. The older the age-bracket, the longer the race course will be. There will also be a relay event for the 6-10 and 11-14 age groups.

More than a race, the Alaska IronKids is a great venue for families to bond in a shared activity and gives parents the chance to show their children that being physically fit and healthy is more fun. It also fosters the importance of starting the day right with a combination of exercise and proper nutrition.

Yesterday, the IronKids participants took part in an Alaska Run-out, an opportunity for them to practice for the race with Ironman champions like Pete Jacobs, Caroline Steffen, Belinda Granger and Alaska Tri-Aspire Team coach Matt O’Halloran and Filipino elites Banjo Norte and Jenny Guerrero.

It was an enriching activity for the children because after the practice run, they joined in the “Alaska Gatas for Breakfast” where they shared a nutritious breakfast with Alaska milk to over 1,660 students of Punta Engaño Elementary School. (FREEMAN)