Team Juna Secures Dramatic Relay Victory at BYD Ironman 70.3 Davao
In a remarkable display of teamwork and determination, Team Juna from Davao City achieved a stunning upset victory at the BYD Ironman 70.3 Davao relay championship on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Formed merely two months prior, the squad outperformed 69 competing teams along the scorching Davao City Coastal Road to claim the prestigious title.
A Nail-Biting Finish Against Formidable Opponents
The newly minted team completed the challenging course in 4:26:46, narrowly edging out Team Ferrumtri by a mere 23 seconds, with the latter clocking 4:27:09. Tri Team 2go 3 secured the third podium position with a time of 4:45:43, rounding out an intensely competitive field.
Strategic Relay Execution Under Sweltering Conditions
The victory was anchored by a well-coordinated effort across all three disciplines:
- Sean Alan de Leon, an Ateneo de Davao University swimmer, opened with a powerful 1.9-kilometer swim in 33:16.
- Former Ronda Pilipinas veteran Ronnie Urdaneta powered through the grueling 90-kilometer bike leg in 2:32:45.
- Multi-titled long-distance runner Elmer Bartolo capped the relay with a decisive 1:17:25 run, crossing the finish line first in the team category.
Elmer Bartolo's Breakthrough Victory After Previous Attempts
For 44-year-old Elmer Bartolo of Calinan, this triumph marked his first Ironman 70.3 relay title after two previous attempts with other teams had left him off the podium. "I was just invited by Mam Katty Fayery because they didn't have a runner. We met once, set up a group chat for training, and it all came together," Bartolo explained to SunStar Davao.
Despite the oppressive heat, Bartolo pushed through a challenging run against a formidable opponent. "I was really happy because my competitor in the all-male relay, Francisco Padayogdog Jr., is a well-known runner. Our teams stayed neck-and-neck through the swim and bike—and even during the run. Fortunately, I was in good condition that Sunday, and I really pushed myself during the final five kilometers," he recounted.
Respectful Rivalry and Team Gratitude
Team Ferrumtri's runner, Francisco Padayogdog Jr., expressed admiration for Bartolo in a Facebook post: "Coach idol Elmer Bartolo, thank you so much for pacing me. It was such a joy to run alongside you in the race."
Bartolo revealed the origin of their team name: "The name comes from the subdivision where our sponsor lives—Juna Subdivision. Our sponsor thought we wouldn't place, so the team name was just for fun."
Ronnie Urdaneta shared his gratitude on social media: "Grateful beyond words to our generous team owner—our Barbie Boss Katty Fayery—for everything: preparation, fuel, race gear, and unwavering moral support."
The victory underscores how strategic collaboration and unwavering determination can overcome even the most challenging conditions in elite endurance sports.
