Alaska IronKids: From Couchwarmers to Champions

*** Press Release ***

From Couchwarmers to Champions

Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon encourages more and more Filipino children into adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.

(Photos courtesy of Art Mendoza)

These days, the only exercise children seem to be doing is surfing, the digital kind that is. Instead of playing outside with their friends, today’s children stay indoors, glued to the TV or to videogames. It is no wonder then that 2 out of 10 Filipino children, 10 years old and below, are overweight while 3 of 10 children are undernourished as seen in the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

But the inactive landscape is slowly changing in recent years, thanks to pioneering sports programs like the Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon, which has managed to convert a number of kids from couch potatoes to young triathletes who have the passion for the sport. A triathlon is a race that is comprised of three sporting events: swimming, running and biking. It is open to children 6 to 14 years old.

Alaska IronKids Philippines is the country’s very first triathlon event for the youth. Since holding its first race in 2012, the local triathlon series has grown in leaps and bounds, grooming young triathletes that have become the pride of the Philippines in international competitions. Being the local junior version of the international triathlon series, Ironman, Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon has  produced champions, on and out of the podiums— children who are not only committed to winning but also ones who understand that losing is also winning, having learned the values of determination, hard work, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship from their experiences in the race.

A vital component of the Alaska Milk Corporation sports program and presented by Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink, Alaska IronKids Philippines Triathlon aims to promote among children the importance of good nutrition and active lifestyle in a fun and exciting way that will get them “to go out and play” on their own, no coercion required. It hopes to get them on the path toward an active and healthy lifestyle that does not only involve physical activity but also proper nutrition as well, living up to Alaska’s key message, “Nutrition. Action. Champion.”

Last Sunday (April 13, 2014), Alaska IronKids Philippines held its first triathlon of the year at La Stanza in Marikina. This is the second in the Alaska IronKids Philippines series of races for 2014, which kicked-off with an aquathlon race last February at BF Homes, Parañaque. This year, Alaska IronKids Philippines started a non-competitive, no-age category, dividing each race into three parts: Race; Play, which is non-competitive and has no age categories; and Relay, which is composed of two mix age groups.  The Play category was added to encourage more children to try out the sport and just join the races for the fun of it, without the burden of competition and the pressure of winning.

There will be another aquathlon race in May at Club Manila East and a triathlon in August in Cebu. In October, Alaska Milk will be holding the Alaska IronKids Philippines Family Triathlon, the very first family-oriented triathlon event in the country. It aims to encourage families to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle as well as serve as an avenue for parents and kids to bond and build lasting relationship.

For more information, check out the Alaska IronKids website, www.ironkidsphil.com and www.alaskamilk.com.ph.

Safeguard 5150 on October 6, 2013

WHAT: Safeguard 5150
WHEN: October 6, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: Kamana Sanctuary (Race Venue) / Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (Race Expo Venue)
Distances: 1.5km Swim, 40km Bike and 10km Run
Website and Registration: www.5150philippines.com/safeguard
FAQs: Download file at this LINK

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa

Safeguard 5150 Schedule of Activities

RACE REPORT AND COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Swim
The 1.5 kilometer swim course will begin and end in Kamana Resort. The swim will be a two loop course following a triangular design. Each of the side of triangle will be 250 meters for a total of 750 meter per loop. The two loop design will excite veteran and beginner triathletes a like, since it will have a short beach run before completing the second loop. A beach entry and exit format will also be followed, adding to the variety in the swim course. The clockwise swim course will help participants navigate better in the calm waters of Kamana. Upon completing the two loops participants will head to the transition area to begin the bike leg of the event.

The Bike
From the Kamana Resort, athletes will head up to the narrow roads of IDESS, the smooth paved roads is lined up with various vegetation with tall trees providing coverage. Exiting IDESS, participants will head down to one of the fastest portions of the race course, the Corregidor highway, which will test the bike handling skills of all athletes alike. A right turn in Zambales Highway takes the participants to the start of the loop portion of the bike course. Participants must complete two loops before heading back to the transition.

Safeguard 5150 Bike Profile

From Zambales Highway participants will race along smooth asphalt road, as they head to a short climb to Crown Peak, Cubi Point. They now head to Aparri road passing the Jest Camp which serves as landmark. This leads them to downhill road which will exit at the bottom of Aparri and make a left in Argonaut highway.

Participants will then head to NCT Road “New Container Terminal”, this coastal road will be enjoyed by athletes with its smooth and flat roads which they can pedal hard and increase their speed. At San Bernandino road, participants will pass through all hands beach and Dungaree beach. After the fast flat roads, participants will start their second loop. After completing the two loops, participants will head back to transition area in Kamana Resort via the long punishing climbs in Corregidor and entering the narrow roads of IDESS.

The Run
After negotiating the varying bike course terrain, athletes will now head to the run course. From Kamana Resort participants will head towards Illanin road (rainforest road) heading to Morong gate. This will be a long climb gradual climb all the way to the 5 kilometer mark and turn around point in Morong gate. From here, it will be a fast downhill run all the way to Kamana Resort up to the finish line.

Safeguard 5150 Run Profile

Hydration and Transition
The Safeguard 5150 will follow the familiar single transition area, located in Kamana Resort. The transition area will house all of the bikes and run gear of the participants, and were all of the action will take place. Spectators won’t have to move from different venues and will just have to wait for the athletes, to complete their transition and crossing the finish line.

Hydration stations are strategically spread out in the race course, making sure all of the participants are well hydrated. From the swim exit up to the transition water and sports drinks will be available to everyone. In the bike course, hydrations stations will approximately be located in kilometer 11.70km, 22.70km and 31.40km. For the run course, hydration stations spaced apart around 1.5km to 2km. More than enough to cover all the hydration needs of the participants.

*** Press Release ***

Athletes on Their Mark for the Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon

Wilfred Uytengsu and Matteo Guidicelli at the Safeguard 5150 Press Launch at Dusit Thani 

MANILA, Philippines – Athletes know the importance of maintaining a proper regimen to enhance performance. They rely on state-of-the-art gear that delivers speed, proper nutrition that guarantees endurance, and a training program that increases their strength. But when it comes to hygiene, one important aspect is often overlooked: the skin, which is actually our first line of defense when it comes to germs.

There’s no body part quite as tortured as the human skin. Every day, it has to endure all the visible and microscopic dirt and grime from all the different elements around us. But it’s the triathletes who put their skins through the most abuse: as they splash, pedal, and stride, they expose their skins to a harsh mix of sun, chlorine or salt water, and dirt. These, along with excessive sweat and friction from gear, can take its toll on the skin – and it can lead to skin diseases and illness.

This October 6, Safeguard will gather local and international pros as well as age-groupers for the first ever Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon – a world-class and intimate race that will surely put those skins to the test. The course takes place in Subic, which promises a challenging yet controlled environment for both experts and beginners. The event will be composed of a 1.5KM swim at Kamana Resort [Swim Venue], a 40KM bike course along the rolling hills of Subic [Bike Venue], and will culminate with a 10KM run at a new route along the shady forest [Run Venue]. The entire course is set against the backdrop of Subic Bay’s breathtaking scenery, which promises a unique race for participants and an exclusive enjoyable experience for their families who will come to support. 

In partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc., the agency behind the highly successful Ironman 70.3 and Iron Kids, this leg is part of the 5150 triathlon series, the world’s largest international Olympic race series in the world. It is also the first non-drafting international race series of its kind, offering a competitive platform for professional and age group athletes.

Safeguard keeps up with those who love the game by leveling up to their demands. The brand has been keeping family skin healthy for more than 75 years, using a mix of unbeatable germ protection and fresh, cleansing elements to care for Filipino skin. It has been every household’s partner for preventing disease and pursuing an active, worry-free life. For the 5150 race, Safeguard aims to showcase its new line Safeguard Active, a product specifically targeted for athletes’ extreme needs.

Safeguard Active boasts of a higher level of anti-bacterial ingredient, which inhibits the growth and re-growth of odor-causing germs for hours. It comes in both soap and body wash form, and its fresh scent can last all day and withstand both sweat and water. It’s the perfect protection booster for the body’s first line of defense.

For battle-tested athletes who aim to beat their personal records, the Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon is a perfect chance to bring the 2013 race season to an iconic finish. Meanwhile, neophyte racers will be thrilled to participate in their first Olympic-level distance triathlon event.

It’s a day that promises exhilarating challenges for the adrenaline-hungry, coupled with unbeatable Safeguard protection to ensure a fresh, unhampered finish. No matter what kind of athlete you are, it’s time to get your skin in the game. 

***

About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

With fellow bloggers Ulikblog, Kamote Runner and Speedy Titan at the Safeguard 5150 Press Launch

Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon on October 6, 2013

1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run. This is the 5150 Triathlon, brought to you by Safeguard Active, happening on October 6, 2013 at Subic Bay.

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa - the start, finish and transition area for the triathlon 

Alaska IronKids Aquathlon: Start 'Em Young!

*** From Official Press Release ***

ALASKA IRONKIDS AQUATHLON – June 30

Catch the next Alaska IronKids event on August 3 and October 20 for the triathlon! 

The top 3 finishers for each category of the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon were all smiles as they received their awards last June 30, 2013 at the Marist School Marikina. 

 

Alaska IronKids started in 2010 with the goal of promoting a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle for children of today and show them that being healthy can also be fun!

Did you miss this fun and exciting event? Just log on to www.ironkidsphil.com to register your child and help them become a real-life champion!

PHOTOS BY: ANTHONY YU

Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series 2013

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PRESS RELEASE

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After staging successful series of off-road action events last year, Vaseline Men, the fastest growing men’s skin care brand in the Philippines again challenges you to conquer your limits in the 2013 Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series.

Dubbed as the world’s premier off-road triathlon event, the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series will kick off this year with the Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship Weekend. Slated on March 2-3, the event features exhilarating trail run and triathlon races that will challenge even the most seasoned athletes. On its second year, Vaseline Men will again bring triathletes to the pristine waters and rough but picturesque terrains of Liloan, Cebu for a more exciting set of challenges.

SWIM!

The Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship Weekend in Cebu will commence with two triathlon events on March 2: the XTERRA Lite and the XTERRA Philippines Championship. The XTERRA Lite involves a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run.  On the other hand, the XTERRA Philippines Championship involves a more grueling challenge with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.  All of these will take place in scenic Liloan, Cebu.  Aside from winning exciting cash prizes (total pro prize money is US$15,000), the top age group finishers will vie for 40 slots to the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii.  Registration for the March 2 triathlon events is ongoing in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines website (www.xterraphil.com).

Capping off the Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend is a trail run on March 3, which will feature demanding courses in 21, 10 and 5-kilometer distances for both the male and female categories. 

More importantly, top age group finishers for the 21K trail run will qualify for the world championships for the XTERRA Trail Run slated in Hawaii this year. Registration for the March 3 trail run is ongoing at www.xterraphil.com and in all Runner Stores nationwide. 

BIKE!

Interested parties may also register for the trail run at selected Watson’s branches. Moreover, for every purchase of Vaseline Men 100g Facial Wash, they will also get a discount for the race registration fee. Just visit Watson’s at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA from February 9-10, 15-17 and 22-24, and buy Vaseline Men 100g Facial Wash to enjoy this discount.

A proud supporter of the Philippine athletic community, Vaseline Men sent a five-man Philippine team to compete in the XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series Global Championship last October 2012. Vaseline Men also offers a wide range of skin care products which are perfect for men who engage in physically demanding activities including triathlons as they help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and wash away dirt, dust and pollution. Included in its range are Facial Washes, Face Moisturizers, Body Lotion and Body Wash. Now, Filipino men can continue to enjoy doing their physical activities outdoors and still get their skin protected from harsh elements from nature. Vaseline Men is now available in all leading men’s zones in major supermarkets, drugstore and department stores nationwide.

RUN!

So this year, prepare to conquer it all at the Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series.  To know more, log on to www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/vaselinemenph.   You can also visit ROX and Runnr stores for more details.

The Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series is also sponsored by Alaska, Summit Water, LBC, The Philippine Star, Multisport, Studio 23, Gatorade, Canon, Aqua Sphere, David’s Salon, Intercare, Rocktape, Timex, Municipality of Liloan, Cebu and Smart.