THE older triathletes may be hard at work in preparing for the Cobra Ironman Philippines 70.3. But the kids are just as persistent in training as they prepare for the Alaska Ironkids, which is set a day before the Ironman 70.3 in Lapu-Lapu City.

Some 25 kids joined the F-1 Tri-Race at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, a race done to give the ironkids a grasp of what awaits them in the Alaska Ironkids.

Yuan Chiongbian, the 2012 Alaska Ironkids 11 to 12 years old champion, topped the 13 to 14 years old division. He is one of those itching to join the Ironkids after skipping it last year. The event was eventually cancelled because the weather rendered the event unplayable for the kids.

Organizer Millette Chiongbian said a lot of young kids were treated to a good race yesterday and that was quite a help in preparing the kids physically and mentally.

Yuan’s older brother, Justin, won the 16 years old division. The girls 13 to 15 years old was topped by Shaia Uy.

In the 11-12 division, Jarond Mesina took the boys title, while Nica Villaba won on the girls’ side.

The other winners were Xeenon Cuyos in the Boys 9-10, Catherine Yu (Girls 9-10); Justin Yu (Boys 18), and Savannah Chiongbian (Girls 18).

News Article from Sun.Star Cebu by Richiel S. Chavez