Reed aims for first Bellevue 5150 title

Tim Reed. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Australian Ironman champion Tim Reed will test the mettle of compatriot Sam Betten in the Bellevue Resort Triathlon, which unwraps Sunday at Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol.

Winner of the tougher Ironman 70.3 Philippines (1.9K swim, 90K bike, 21K run) in Cebu the last three years, the 32-year-old Reed hopes to stamp his class in the 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run event ruled by Betten the past two years.

Aside from Betten, Reed expects tough competition from another Australian, Alex Polizzi, and Rwandan Gabe Manner in the race organized by Sunrise Events Inc. and presented by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines.

The 6-foot-4 Betten trounced Henry Beck by nearly nine minutes to extend his run of 5150 romps to four.

Dimity-Lee Duke, also of Australia, is geared up for another crack to retain the women’s crown.

Winners in the Open championship will receive $2,000 each while the top male and female Elite finishers pocket P30,000 each.

The event will also hold the sunrise sprint, featuring a 750m swim, a 20K bike and a 5K run.

For details, visit www.bellevue.5150philippines.com.