FUTURE triathlon stars blazed through the 2025 RLC IronKids aquathlon Philippines Swim-Run Race, held in the scenic coastal city of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.
The event, which is designed for budding multisport athletes aged 13 to 15, showcased determination and sportsmanship from over 600 young competitors.
In the female 13-15 age group, Cebu’s Christy Ann Perez emerged victorious with a total time of 11 minutes and 36.797 seconds. She completed her swim in 3:54.88 and followed it with a solid run of 7:38.99 to clinch the top spot.
Perez also dominated the race in the same age group in 2024 to win 13:30 over the 250m swim and a 2km run distance at the The Reef Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu.
Prior to her two wins in the 13-15 age group, Perez of Talisay triathlon group topped the girls’ 11-12 year old race on Oct. 22, 2022 in Subic Bay Free Port in Zambales and in Mactan Newtown.
Hot on her heels was Lauren Lee Tan, finishing just over a second behind at 11:37.981. Kaia Chrostiana Gica completed the podium with a time of 12:11.027. Mary Chris Lalimos and Zoryalena Uphill rounded out the Top 5.
Zackary Angelo Da Silva of the Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group (TLTG)-Go For Gold dominated the male 13-15 age group with a swift swim of 2:38.95 and a speedy run of 6:52.97, finishing with a leading time of 10:24.182.
Da Silva was also champion in April 2024 Ironkids Lapu-Lapu race with a time of 27:24.
He was followed closely by Joseph Lah Calustre, whose time of 10:34.096 earned him second place. Al Dustin Bersabal secured third with a time of 10:59.127 after a strong swim of 2:37.65. Seanne Pattrick Pagay and Christian Terence Betic completed the Top 5.
This year’s race saw a significant increase in participation. Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events, stated that the event attracted more than 600 participants, more than double the 247 participants from 2024.
The event attracted a large crowd of parents, coaches, and supporters, who cheered on these future champions under perfect race-day weather.
IronKids
IronKids Philippines is the local version of the global IronKids program, which is part of the world-renowned Ironman triathlon brand.
The Philippine edition began in 2012, aiming to develop young athletes through early exposure to multisport disciplines.
The program is open to children aged six to 15 and typically includes variations of triathlon formats such as swim-run, aquathlon, or full mini-triathlon setups. Its main goal is to build confidence, promote healthy living, and foster values such as discipline and sportsmanship.
Over the years, IronKids Philippines has grown into one of the most prestigious youth sports events in the country, often held alongside the Ironman 70.3 Philippines and other major triathlon festivals, particularly in iconic venues such as Cebu, Subic, and Davao.
