Twenty-one of the world’s leading and rising male triathletes and 17 in the women’s side gear up for what promises to be a battle royale in the biggest gathering ever of endurance runners in Ironman 70.3 Philippines which unfolds Aug. 5 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu City.
Tim Reed, one of Australia’s best triathletes and winner of the event the last three years, faces rough sailing in his drive for a fourth championship with a slew of equally talented rivals all primed up for the keenly-awaited put up by title sponsor Aguila Energy Drink and Regent Food Corp. and organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc.
Mexican Mauricio Mendez, the former XTERRA champion and winner of the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Davao last March, 12-time Ironman New Zealand champion Cameron Brown and three-time world titlist Craig Alexander are but three of the early favorites to foil Reed’s record bid in the grueling 1.9km swim-90km bike-21.2km run event.
“Everybody is excited for this particular Ironman race for its star-studded cast in the centerpiece pro division and a championship course ready to challenge even the best in the fold,” said Wilfred Uytengsu, founder of SEI, which incidentally is marking its decade-long staging of triathlon events in the country.
Sam Betten, another top Aussie triathlete who considers Ironman 70.3 Cebu as one of the best Ironman events in the world, is also in the mix along with Kevin Collington, Brad Williams, Matt Burton, Luke McKenzie, Braden Currie, Matthew Chrabot, Josh Amberger, Nathan Groch, Brent McMahon, Mike Phillips, Casey Munro, Michael Raelert, Jakub Langhammer, David Mainwaring and Tyler Butterfield – all raring to prove their worth in the blue-ribbon event backed by presenting sponsors Alaska Milk Corp., Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board Phl.
But it won’t be an all-male show as an equally star-studded cast braces for a spirited duel for the women’s tiara, to be led by Czech Radka Kahlefeldt, who will be shooting for her third crown after ruling the Ironman 70.3 Subic last year and the first Ironman 70.3 Davao.
