CEBU, Philippines - Organizers of Xterra Philippines are confident that participants in the second staging set March 17 to 18 in Liloan can surpass last year’s number.
Around a hundred participants joined in last year as recalled sportsman Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, Jr.
This year, Rodriguez said, organizers are confident participants can reach over a hundred based on the progress of registration.
Based on Xterra Philippines’ website’s update, there are now 70 entries in the premiere full triathlon plus a team in the relay event.
The triathlon lite, on the other hand, has 15 participants so far.
In the trail run, there are five entries yet.
The trail run features three race lengths — 5, 10 and 21 kilometers.
So far, of the five entries, three are under the 21-km run and the two others in the 10-km run and none in the 5-k run yet.
All entries are coming from 10 countries so far including Singapore, Hong Kong, Italy, France, United States, Japan, Australia, Germany, Austria and the bulk from the Philippines.
Aside from cash prizes, participants are going out to fight for slots for the World Championships in Maui, Hawaii.
A total of 39 slots are at stake spread in different age brackets.
Under the 15-19, 20-24, 50-54 and 55-59 classes, a slot each is given to the male and female division while the 25-29 and 45-49 class has two each for both divisions.
In the 30-34, 35-39 and 40-44 classes, the male division will have three slots apiece and two in the distaff side.
World Championship slots are also available for the men’s 60-64, 65-69 and 70 years-old and above and in the women’s 60-above class. - THE FREEMAN