Smart triathletes compete in Cobra IronMan 70.3

MANILA, Philippines - Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will field in a crack roster of athletes in the IronMan 70.3 triathlon firing off Aug. 5 in Cebu.

Fifteen Smart employees, all members of the company’s newly formed Triathlon Club, have been participating in swim-bike-run simulations since May in their buildup for one of the most grueling sports events in the country.

“Immediately after forming the club last April, we started joining triathlons in Subic, Metro Manila, and Batangas. We’ve also had weekend bike rides and trainings in Sierra Madre and Cavite,” said Smart senior engineer and Triathlon Club president Mark Alfred Arroyo.

Several members of the club are actually IronMan 70.3 veterans, having joined the annual event since 2009.

The IronMan races are known for their difficulty with triathletes aspiring to complete a 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike ride, and 21-km run.

More than 1,300 entries have already confirmed participation in this year’s IronMan 70.3.

“Smart’s support for this endeavor is very much appreciated. Smart has always encouraged its employees to pursue their interests and to engage in healthy activities,” Arroyo said.

“Our chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea has also been supportive of activities organized by our internal sports clubs,” said Smart Triathlon Club member and human resources manager Aldous Brigino.

“I admire the discipline and enthusiasm of Smart’s athletes. They all have demanding jobs, but they prove that work-life balance is achievable. I am proud to say that these employees live by Smart’s Live More manifesto,” Vea said.