MANILA, Philippines -An impressive number of more than 2,000 triathletes flocked the shores of Cebu in the annual Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 joined by a healthy mix of known personalities both in entertainment and politics. Droves of triathlon enthusiasts flew in from over 35 countries from six continents filling up all slots (2,150) dedicated to the race.
The event kicked off last Aug. 4 at Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, featuring various legs of the competition from swimming (1.9km), biking (90km), and running (21km) spreading the triathlon craze to cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu, and Talisay.
Timex, leading timepiece provider, showed support to the burgeoning popularity of triathlon in competitive outdoor racing by sending in their arsenal of celebrities for the race. During the race, bannered at the official Timex booth were Timex Ironman Commemorative Watches together with the new Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 GPS making its debut at the successful annual race.
The Timex Relay Team was composed of Piolo Pascual (bike), Toniel Ty (swim), Larry Medenilla (run) finishing at 5:34:00 from last year’s 5:44:00. Timex Team Valdes was then joined by Tessa Prieto-Valdes (finishing the full ironman race at 7:27:19), with her husband Dennis for the relay team. Timex Team Pangilinan was composed of Anthony Pangilinan (full ironman with a 6:43:31-finish), wife Maricel (swim) and son Benj and Solana (Ironkids). Coach Ani De Leon Brown joined the full marathon clocking in a 5:22:43 time. Apl de Ap, who was also part of the bike leg of the Team Apl relay team showed off his Timex Ironman Tap watch at the Timex Booth.