Davao City is once again gearing up to host one of the world’s most anticipated endurance races as it welcomes back the IRONMAN 70.3 on March 22, 2026.
Next year’s event will mark the fifth edition of the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao, following the overwhelming success and strong positive feedback from participants and visitors during the 2024 race, which featured the newly introduced Coastal Road course.
“After presenting a new course, the Coastal Road, in 2024, people gave us a high mark. This is also one of the most highly anticipated triathlons,” said Princess Galura, General Manager of Sunrise Events, the official organizer of IRONMAN Philippines.
During the official launch of the 2026 edition, Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Assistant City Administrator for Administration, highlighted the economic benefits the international triathlon brings to the city.
“Events like IRONMAN not only promote sports and fitness but also boost tourism and local businesses. Competitions such as the Guapa Dabawenya race may have also inspired more Dabawenyos to lead a healthy and active lifestyle,” Domingo said.
New Features and Exciting Updates for 2026
The fifth edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Davao will feature a new logo and expanded race lineup, introducing several updates aimed at enhancing the athlete and spectator experience:
- IRONKIDS Aquathlon and Sunrise Sprint events for young and amateur athletes.
- Guapa Dabawenya Run with expanded distances: 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km, catering to the growing running community in the city.
According to Galura, the additional distances for the Guapa Dabawenya run were added due to the booming interest of Dabawenyos in running and endurance sports.
Another major update is the new bike course. Unlike the 2024 route, which took athletes along the road leading to Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 will now feature a 90-kilometer bike race traversing the scenic Davao–Bukidnon Road, offering a fresh and challenging route for participants.
Davao City: The Home of IRONMAN Philippines
Since its first hosting, Davao City has consistently drawn local and international triathletes to experience its world-class hospitality, scenic routes, and vibrant support from the Dabawenyo community. The event continues to strengthen Davao’s reputation as a premier sports and tourism destination in the Philippines.
Image from: IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
