World tilt slots up for grabs in Subic 70.3

The second of five Ironman 70.3 events slated in the country which Subic Bay will host gets off the ground on Sunday in Olongapo City, with triathletes not only vying for glory that day but for spots to the World Championship later this year.

Amidst a grandiose setting, the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-km bike, and 21-km run event will be staking 45 slots to the main event set in Marbella, Spain in November where bidders from diverse backgrounds from ex-beauty queens to full time triathletes will be taking part of.

Registration is still being accepted at www.ironman.com/im703-subic-bay-philippines or www.sunrisesprint.com.

Puerto Princesa hosted the first Ironman 70.3 this year last March and the country, through organizer Sunrise Events, Inc., is set to host three more in a busy schedule for the rest of the year.

The weekend actually kicks off with the RLC Ironkids on Saturday with the main event the following day having an accompanying sideshow, the Sunrise Sprint, which will be a 750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run event.

Irienold Reig Jr., warming up for a title defense in the 5150 Bohol this July, leads the early local entries. Other notable contenders in the field are Gerard Mendoza, Julio Padilla, John Paul Osio, Carl Aguilar, Jan Javier and Benedicto Mapanao Jr., who are also listed in the 18-24 age group.

Bringing grace and star power to the women’s 30-34 category is former beauty queen Faith Garcia, racing alongside fellow strong competitors Regina Rosquites, Gabrielle Silvestre-Tengco, Clarisa Agapito, Hazel Sicat, Nicole Andaya, Claudine Mendiola and Bianca Bondoc.