Betten targets Regent 5150 repeat victory

SUBIC—Since flashing superior form in the previous race, Sam Betten hasn’t stopped thinking about stretching his dominance for another year.

The towering Betten is ready to retain top honors in today’s Regent 5150 Triathlon against a crack field of professionals eager to snatch away the title in the male pro category.

“If you win a race, you’ll always try to come back and win again,” said the 6-foot-4, 28-year-old Australian. “I’ve been thinking about this race since last year.”

Fellow Aussies Mitch Robbins, Dan Brown and Michal Bucek of Slovakia are ready to give Betten a run for his money while the women’s pro category of the 1.5-kilometer open water swim, 40k bike and 10k run contest is an open race with the retirement of Belinda Granger, last year’s champion.

Australians Michelle Duffield and Dimity Lee-Duke, New Zealand’s Amelia Rose Watkinson as well as Monica Torres of the Philippines will vie for the women’s crown.

A total of 1,107 participants have registered in both the 5150 event and Sunrise Sprint, the newest short-distance race series featuring action in a 750-meter swim, 20k bike and 5k run course within the former US naval base.