LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Family, partners, friends, fans. It wasn’t only triathletes who showed up at this year’s Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, Cebu race.

Along the sidelines, supporters spent hours under the heat waiting for familiar faces to pass by. Some rang bells and shouted encouragement, while others held up banners or kept their phones ready to capture their athletes crossing the course.

For at least 1,400 athletes who took part in the highly anticipated triathlon on Sunday, August 9, hundreds of supporters lined the route to cheer them on.

Among them were members of the Cebu Poseidon Dragons, a local competitive dragon boat racing team supporting fellow club member JM Ylaya.

READ: Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Cebu: Live updates

It was hard to miss their customized banner featuring Ylaya in action, along with a quote his friends described as his mantra: “Everything is a win when the goal is to experience.”

Teammate Gardo Pelayo said that showing up mattered, especially for Ylaya, who was competing in his first Ironman 70.3 race.

“In their preparations, they’ve always been alone in their runs, their swims, their bike [rides]. But knowing that there are people who support them along the way, even though it’s an individual sport, is a boost of confidence and moral support,” Pelayo said.

“Us being athletes, we know firsthand how important it is to have people to support you along the way, especially on a very important day,” he added.

Showing up for family

For some, the support comes from people who have watched the athletes take on challenges long before race day.

The Ferolino family has stood by their “pillar of the home” as he took part in various athletic and endurance events over the past 10 years.

This year, Henleigh and Rhyanna Roe Ferolino continued to cheer on their father, 49-year-old Heubert, as he joined the triathlon.

“Importante kaayo para makahibaw siya nga they don’t have to face their journey alone,” Henleigh said, noting how she and her siblings have been watching their dad compete since they were children.

(It’s important to show up so they know that they don’t have to face their journey alone.)

Watching their father compete over the years has also inspired the sisters to pursue their own athletic interests.

“Proud kaayo mi niya kay mura man sad siyag gihimo niyang investment sa iya health. Gusto sad mi muapil sunod,” she said.

(We’re really proud of him because he’s really investing in his health. We’d also like to take part next time.)

For others, being there means witnessing a partner’s months of preparation finally come to fruition.

Greatch Villarmea came to Cebu with her boyfriend’s family to support Benjie “Bench” Bantecil in his third Ironman competition.

“We know how much time, discipline, and sacrifice he puts into preparing for this race,” Villarmea said, adding that witnessing his achievement meant a lot to all of them.

Bantecil began training almost every day about three months before the race. Villarmea said that her role throughout his preparation was simple: showing up whenever he needed her.

“I know he can do it. I’m very, very proud,” Villarmea said.

Cheering across borders

The support for the athletes also crossed borders, with some loved ones traveling thousands of kilometers to be at the race.

Deborah, from France, and Mizuki, from Japan, traveled together to Cebu to support their boyfriends, both Japanese triathletes competing in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.

Deborah supported Oishi Kazuhiro, who had competed in past Ironman races but was racing in Cebu for the first time.

Mizuki rooted for Koja Takaaki, who was joining his first Ironman competition.

For both women, providing mental support was just as vital as the physical preparation that came before race day.

“If he really gets into it, he will get the pro license,” Deborah said of Kazuhiro’s growing dedication to triathlons.

It was also the pair’s first time visiting the Philippines. Both said they were struck by the kindness of the people they met around Cebu.

Kazuhiro went on to finish second overall among age-group competitors.

For the athletes, the race may have been a test of endurance, but along the course, supporters made sure they did not have to take on the challenge alone.