Baguio city: Joshua Ramos eyes another podium finish when he competes at the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao on March 22. After winning the 5150 Guimaras on March 8, the national team mainstay hopes to build momentum as he transitions from the Olympic distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run) to the more demanding half-IRONMAN format (1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run).

According to Philippines News Agency, the 24-year-old Ramos, who won the Guimaras race in 2:14:00, stated that 5150 Guimaras was just a fitness check since he is doing the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao. Ramos expressed his future plans, saying, "From Davao, most likely I'd want to do another IM 70.3 and maybe a lot more 5150s."

Apart from a deeper and highly competitive field in Davao City, athletes will have to contend with a modified bike course that is expected to introduce fresh tactical challenges. The revamped route is designed to test pacing, technical execution, and race strategy, as competitors try to balance speed and endurance under demanding race conditions. The expected heat and humidity during race week could further complicate the challenge.

Meanwhile, Bea Quiambao, another multi-winner in the 5150 races who skipped the Guimaras leg, leads the women's Elite Category field. The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao forms part of the National Sports Tourism-Inter-Agency Council's initiative to position the Philippines as a leading global destination for endurance sports.

Led by the Philippine Sports Commission with support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the program highlights how world-class races set in spectacular natural environments can strengthen the country's sporting reputation while boosting tourism. The IRONMAN 70.3 Davao is expected to draw a strong international field competing across various age categories and the Open championship division, ensuring fierce battles in power, speed, stamina, and strategy. The race marks Davao's fifth time hosting the premier endurance event after taking a break last year.