Celebrities brace for landmark triathlon event

Local celebrities take time out from their hectic schedules to compete on a bigger, tougher stage – the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships presented by Ford which fires off August 7 at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Matteo Guidicelli, Xander Angeles, Ivan Carapiet, Kim Atienza, Paul Jake Castillo, Gilbert Remulla, Dyan Castillejo and organizing Sunrise Events Inc. founder Wilfred Uytengsu have signed up for the premier continental swim-bike-run event being held in the country for the first time.

They will all vie in the individual competitions of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run while Dingdong Dantes (bike), Piolo Pascual (bike), Anthony Pangilinan (bike), Hannah Pangilinan (swim), Gretchen Fullido (swim), Bubbles Paraiso (run), Ella Pangilinan (run) and Sam YG (swim) likewise take a break from the numerous news and showbiz commitments to join in the relay team event of the top-level endurance race.

Their presence will not only add glamour and class to the event but also provide the competitive spirit that has marked their stints in a number of triathlons that they had competed in as part of their healthy lifestyle.

They will be among the more than 2,900 triathletes from 43 countries set to compete in the upcoming event, produced and organized by SEI and backed Cobra Energy Drink as title sponsor with Ford as presenting sponsor and Globe Telecom as official wireless and broadband services partner, making it the biggest ever not only in terms of participation but also in prize money with a record total of $75,000 at stake in the keenly awaited elite pro category.

“With over 2,900 athletes from 43 countries, this is the biggest triathlon in the history of the Philippines,” said Uytengsu. “We have assembled the largest cast of pro triathletes – over 30, many of whom are world champions competing and preparing not just for the rights to be Asia Pacific champion but also for the world championships in Australia set a few months after the race.”

Backed by major partners Philippine Airlines, Summit Water, 2Go Express (official courier and logistics partner), Asics, Gatorade, Prudential Guarantee, Oakley and Timex, the event will mark the first time the AsPac tourney will be held outside Australia and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, SEI and its local partners have ensured the safety of participants on race day with road closures in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay, which will serve as part of the race route, to be implemented.

All motorists going to the airport coming from any direction are also advised to take the Sangi Motumbo Road or Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase if available. All trucks, trailers, tourist buses or motor vehicles with GVW 4500 and above will not be allowed to travel during the duration of the event, especially at diversional/alternative routes going to the airport.

(PR)