500 vie in Subic international triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Close to 500 local and foreign triathletes, men and women, young and old, competitive and recreational athletes, including world-class competitors from Japan, South Africa, Hongkong, China, Singapore, Great Britain, New Zealand and Singapore are expected to be at the starting line of the ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) set May 16-17 inside the Subic Bay Freeport Area.

Now on its 16th year, SUBIT is the country’s longest running major international triathlon event and is recognized as one of Asia’s best organized triathlon races despite its limited budget . It has attracted the two-time world Ironman Female champion Chrissie Wellington, former ITU world champions Nicole Hackett and Dimitry Gaag, Asian champions Takumi Obara, Haruna Hosoya and Daniil Sapunov.

Heading the cast this year is four-time SUBIT winner and Doha Asian Games silver medalist Daniel Lee Chi Wo of Hong Kong and female defending champion Tenoko Sakumoto of Japan, the latter to be challenged by strong contenders from Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa.

“Right now we already have over 250 entries, including those entered in the mini sprint (13-15 yrs. old), sprint event for juniors (16-19 years old) and beginning adults, inter-club and team relay competitors and a large bunch of age groupers, all vying for glory in their own categories” declares TRAP president Tom Carrasco.

The race, sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Speedo, Vitwater/Sunkist, David’s Salon, Globe Telecoms and supported by Gatorade, Fitness First, Rudy Project, Asian Center for Insulation Phils. and Legenda Hotel, is sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC).