According to Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura, Ironman Philippines will address queries as soon as global directives are in place
Photo by Javier Lobregat
Just like any other sports league or business, Ironman, the 42-year-old World Triathlon Corporation, is doing everything it can to adjust to the impact of the global health crisis.
On June 16, Sunrise Events (which Ironman acquired in 2019) was called out by certain triathletes for not refunding participants after postponing the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines in Subic.
According to Sunrise Events general manager Princess Galura, the brand is finding solutions for participants to still be able to race soon. While there are no refunds for this year’s postponed races, Galura encourages the triathlon community to trust the leadership behind the Ironman brand.
“Trust the brand to do what is best for you like how you trust it when you swim, bike, and run in every single race,” says Princess Galura
“Trust the brand to do what is best for you like how you trust it when you swim, bike, and run in every single race,” says Galura.
Galura is confident that triathletes will soon be reunited with the sport they love most—it’s a matter of being patient and in her own words “riding through the motions.” According to her, Ironman Philippines aims to plan the most suitable and safest race possible even amid a pandemic—all without sacrificing the experience the brand is known for. Here’s everything we know about Ironman Subic so far:
Ironman Subic remains fluid
“The Philippine still has a lot of cases so there are questions right now we don’t have answers to, but it doesn’t mean we’re not doing anything about it,” says Galura.
Galura says that the date for Ironman Subic is not set in stone but instead is still subject to change. The annual event may have been moved to Oct. 25 but organizers will still follow the rules imposed by the government and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority—which Ironman Philippines is in constant communication with.
Ironman Philippines aims to plan the most suitable and safest race possible even amid a pandemic—all without sacrificing the experience the brand is known for
This means that the status of the race will be a mutually agreed decision between the organizers and the authorities involved. The race will also be highly dependent on how Subic handles the health crisis in the next few months. Galura says that just because the race is set on Oct.25 doesn’t mean it’s going to happen in October.
Last minute race cancellations have already transpired in other international races. On June 24, Galura pointed out how Ironman 70.3 Lubbock Triathlon was canceled 48 hours before the race due to the rise of coronavirus cases in Texas.
Ironman Subic will be following the five pillars of safety
The five pillars made by the world Ironman group are: enhanced hygiene, screening and education, density reduction, touchpoint minimization, and athlete self-reliance. These rules and regulations are made based on the configurations of each race and venue.
For example, the touchpoint minimization rule means that the shopping point (one of the most popular destinations for participants and guests) will have a more digital point and pay approach. Another is the enhanced hygiene rule in which the venue will be disinfected at least three times a day.
Ironman Subic organizers will do what’s best for triathletes
“Ironman is 42 years old. You trust the brand when you sign up for [the] full distance no matter the conditions—the hot or cold weather, angry oceans, strong winds,” says Galura.
With all the uncertainty happening right now, Galura assures that triathletes, should any race proceed, will have safety protocols in place. The organizers are in constant communication with the Ironman group.