Raced Like Champions: A Look Back on the 2026 IRONKIDS Season

And just like that, another IRONKIDS season has come to an end.

It was another year filled with core memories for us at RLC Residences as we continued our commitment to creating communities and experiences where little champions can grow, build confidence, and discover what they can achieve.

But more than us, it was the members of our Junior Triathlon Team who had fun, made new friends, and learned valuable lessons from the exhilarating challenges they faced in Davao, Subic, and Lapu-Lapu City this season.

While the podium finishes are worth celebrating, there is so much more to every race than the final results. 

It presented opportunities for young athletes to challenge themselves, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of.

So, as we wrap up another season, let’s look back at the moments that made this year one to remember.

Touchdown Davao

The 2026 season kicked off in Davao in March with the perfect summer backdrop. 

Excitement was high as the kids returned to the starting line ready to take on a new year of challenges.

And it was indeed a strong start—Johan Benedict Santos finished first in the Swim-Run 6–8 Male category, while Davao-based athlete Amir Buensuceso raced with pride and secured second place in the 9–10 age pool.

Their victories were only the beginning of the many challenges and triumphs yet to come.

RLC Residences mascot Bob the Bear welcomes the Junior Triathlon Team ahead of the IRONKIDS Davao race. 

The Race Continues in Subic

The team, just as strong-spirited but now with refreshed energy, headed to Subic in June to tackle a round of swim, bike, and run challenges. 

This coastal town also saw our best finish of the season. 

Johan continued his winning streak with a first-place finish in the 6–8 age bracket for boys. 

Celebrations were also in order for Haneul “Sky” Jung, who earned her first Ironkids podium, placing third in the 6-8 bracket for girls.

Moreover, in the 9-10 age pool for the Swim-Bike-Run for boys, Amir clinched his second silver finish, succeeded by his dear friend Xavier Belleza in third place.

But beyond the medals, every athlete who made it to the finish line had something to be proud of.

Races like IRONKIDS ask for more than speed and strength. They teach young athletes to stay focused when they are tired, find courage when a challenge feels difficult, and to keep going when the finish line still feels far away.

At its core, this is what our partnership with IRONKIDS is all about—helping children discover real strength, build discipline and confidence, believe in themselves, and experience the power of community through sport.

These are lessons that can stay with them long after race day.

Finishing Strong in Lapu-Lapu

The final race brought the team to Lapu-Lapu City in August.

This completed Johan’s winning streak this year as he once again claimed first place in the Swim-Run 6–8 Male category.

But this final leg was about more than another podium finish.

WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/184XQdcULG/ 

After the race, a lunch was hosted for the Junior Tri-Team to celebrate their hard work, achievements, and pride they bring to the team. 

It was also a special send-off for two graduating members, Kendrick Lopez and Lucas Abiogen, as they turn 16 and prepare to take on their next chapter. 

For Lucas, this Lapu-Lapu race was a bittersweet ending to his three-year IRONKIDS journey that began in Cebu in 2024. Since then, he has continued to grow as an athlete, consistently finishing in the top 10 throughout the 2025 season, and competing in triathlon and swimming events beyond IRONKIDS.

Meanwhile, Kendrick joined the Junior Triathlon Team in 2025 and competed in his final IRONKIDS race in Davao this year. Outside IRONKIDS, his journey in sports continues. Recently, he won second place in the 100-meter breaststroke category of the Special Olympics Pilipinas National Championship 2026.

With all their success in and beyond IRONKIDS, their parents shared that their greatest gains cannot be measured in medals.

“My son actually is on the autism spectrum with ADHD, but he's high functioning. The sports helped him grow and boost his confidence in school and create friendships,” Kendrick’s mom Sunshine said.

For Lucas’ mom Cristle, watching the athletes grow has been a reminder that some of life’s most valuable lessons aren’t taught in a classroom. They are learned through experiences like these.

And the boys themselves had their own words to share.

“Never give up and reach the finish line as much as possible,” Kendrick said, before thanking RLC Residences for giving him the opportunity.

Lucas, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at IRONKIDS. 

“Sobrang thankful ko po kay Lord na nagkaroon po ako ng opportunity na ma-sponsor-an po ng RLC Residences and mag-compete every year.”

As he graduated from IRONKIDS, he also shared the bigger dream he will be working towards in the next chapter of his life: “I hope one day po i-represent ko po yung Philippines.”

The Race Goes On

As we close another IRONKIDS season, we celebrate every little champion who showed up, took on the challenge, and kept moving forward.

The RLC Residences Junior Tri-Team boys celebrating after finishing the Lapu-Lapu race.

We hope that each child who joined us in this journey carries this lesson with them—that the greatest victories aren’t always the ones that come with a medal. Sometimes, they are the confidence to try, the courage to keep going, and the belief that you can reach whatever finish line lies ahead.

To our Junior Triathlon Team, congratulations on a season well raced.

And to Kendrick and Lucas, congratulations on reaching this finish line—and on everything that lies beyond it.

Here’s to the next one!

Read more: Raising Little Champions the RLC Residences Way