Australian duo out to defend titles

Sam Betten and Dimity-Lee Duke gear up for their title-retention bids in the The Bellevue Resort 5i50 Triathlon this Sunday in Panglao, Bohol.   

The Australian duo ruled the 1.50-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run last year.

Betten clocked 2 hours,

1 minute and 3 seconds to lead a 1-2-3 finish for Australia in the men’s division, followed by Michael Murphy (2:03:48) and Justin Granger (2:12:38).

Duke led from start to finish en route to a winning time of 2:13:30 in the distaff side.

  Compatriot Belinda Granger (2:19:47) came in second while local bet Monica Torres (2:26:26) placed third.

This time, Betten and Duke will face triathletes from 17 countries.  For beginners, a Sunrise Sprint (750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run) will also be featured. 

Up for grabs are $2,000 in prizes in both categories.

“It has been our desire to expand the base of triathlon, which has grown by leaps and bounds through the years,” said organizer Fred Uytengsu of Sunrise Events during the recent launch at Bellevue Hotel Alabang.