XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon unfurls this am

CEBU, Philippines - History unfolds in Cebu sporting world today as the country's first ever XTERRA Philippine Championship Off-Road Triathlon gets underway early this morning at the picturesque Amara Subdivision in Brgy. Catarman, Liloan.

Some of the world's top pro triathletes are in town to show their stuff in the unique, breath-taking and nerve-tingling extravaganza presented by Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) president Wilfred Steven Uytengsu through Sunrise Events, Inc. (SEI).

Frontlining the list of star-studded participants are 2010 XTERRA world champion Shonny Vanladingham; 2008 Japan, Saipan and France champion Renata Bucher; 2009 Japan, Saipan and Guam Champion Sam Gardner; 2009 Amateur World champion Darrelle Parker; 2009 & 2010 South Africa Champion Carina Wasle; plus a bunch of foreign enthusiasts of the three-in-one event.

Aside from that, Neil Catiil, the reigning Ironman 70.3 Champion, Noy Jopson, 2009 Ironman 70.3 Champion, LC Langit, Philippine Triathlon Team member and more Filipino elites are competing as well.

"It's going to be fun. We're all very excited to race and see the families and people out there in the community," said Vanladingham.

Close to 100 entries from 11 countries namely Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States are going to be tested for their mettle and endurance as they cross the scenic yet tough course of Amara.

 XTERRA kicks off with the swim through two loops of the 1.5-kilometer course in the sea near the century old Liloan lighthouse that beams a guiding light faithfully every night protecting seafarers of the Camotes Sea.

It is followed by a mountain bicycle segment which will traverse a 32-kilometer loop twice with a magnificent view of the Camotes Sea on the eastern side of the course. It ends with the run portion of the race traveling a 10 kilometer loop near the San Fernando Rey Parish Church.

A total of USD 15,000 cash prize will be at stake for the professional placers, while P120,000 is up for grabs for the top three Filipino elite finishers in both male and female divisions.

To add more kick and fulfillment to the race, the top placers will receive climited edition Timex Expedition Trail Series Digital Compass.

Age group winners are not eligible for prize money but they will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race with the pros during the XTERRA World Championships in Makena, Maui on October 23. A total of 35 slots are available, 20 for male and 15 for female participants.

Sponsors are Alaska Milk Corporation, Clear Shampoo, Timex, Prudential Guarantee, Multisport, Solar TV, Oakley, Gatorade and Crimson Hotel. (FREEMAN)