At least 1,500 athletes are anticipated to compete in the event, according to Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing company Sunrise Events Inc., during a press conference on September 28 at Azuela Cove.
"The last time that I ran a race, there were 2,300 (participants), so hopefully we can match that number this time." We currently have about 500 people who have already registered from 2019 and who, hopefully, will be able to join in 2023 because there are some other participants (who waited) for the return of Davao City, Galura said.
Filipinos and foreigners, including local celebrities and well-known professional athletes from around the world, have previously competed in Ironman 70.3 Davao. Galura expressed their desire to see the well-known individuals re-join.
In honor of the 11 tribes of Davao City, the race will also introduce a category for 11-man teams the following year. The winning team will receive a new Tribu Maisugon.
"Each Ironman race has its own characteristics depending on the venue. This is how we demonstrate the potential of Ironman (diverse). We are attempting to highlight Davao City's 11 tribes. Only in Davao City will it be given out, according to Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
A colorful, tribal-inspired suitcase will be given as a free gift to participating athletes in addition to the Tribu Maisugon Award, and medals created by renowned Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan will be awarded to winners.
The medals' main message, according to Millan, is unity or oneness. It's a continuation of the first two Ironman 70.3 Davao races, which were races for culture and peace before changing to a race for oneness, he said. Duterte claimed that the city government is already making preparations for the event.
"If there is a surge, the city and its residents, particularly the health professionals, have dealt with this before, and we already know how to handle it. We have already begun to prepare. We must be meticulous because it's a big event, the mayor said.
Mauricio Mendez of Mexico and Markus Rolli of Germany respectively won the first two Ironman 70.3 Davao competitions, which took place in 2018 and 2019.
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