ITU-SUBIT draws 722 triathletes

Manila, Philippines - The 2011 ITU-K-Swiss Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) fires off tomorow at Subic with a record 722 entries clashing for top honors in the men’s and ladies’ divisions.

Forty-one triathletes from 19 countries are battling it out in the men’s side with New Zealand’s James Elvery, the highest-ranked competitor in the field with his 39th ranking by the International Triathlon Union, leading the title hunt.

Three Australians, meanwhile, head the roster in the five-nation women’s elite division of the event presented by K-Swiss and organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) in cooperation with Subic Bay Freeport.

Neil Catiil and Nikko Huelgas banner the local challenge in the male category while LC Langit vies in the women’s side of the event sanctioned by the ITU and Asian Triathlon Confederation.

Huelgas is seeking to duplicate his sub-2-hour performance in the last Asian Beach Games in Muscat, Oman.

The bulk of the participants will compete in the 13-15 mini-sprint, male and female U-23, junior male and female, team relay and club team competitions.

The event also bats for a Green Triathlon.

“We believe that triathlon is a good avenue to help preserve the environment. For this year’s SUBIT, we will use biodegradable textile eco bib, paper cups and reusable eco bags to help in avoiding the use of plastic materials among athletes and guest. We will also hire ‘Green Marshals’ to help remind people regarding waste reduction and proper segregation,” said TRAP secretary-general Ramon Marchan.

ITU, through its sec-gen Loreen Barnett, has recognized and lauded the noble action made by TRAP.

“TRAP is really leading the way with other federations. I will get this into the ITU newsletter. Huge congratulation,” said Barnett thru email.

Last year’s participants numbered 680 triathletes with Japan’s Tsukasa Hirano and China’s Wang Yi winning the male and female elite titles.

The two however are not returning, leaving a wide open race among the participants as there are no clear favorites among this year’s entries.

The race is supported also by Speedo, David’s Salon, Century Tuna, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Gatorade, Fitness First, TIMEX, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Fitness First is going all out to regain the title in theclub team event against a number of resurgent teams like Polo Tri, Herbalife, Century Trihard, Army-Navy South Tri, Bike King, Clear Sabak, David’s Tri-Clark,Team Endure, TIMEX, TriBE, Train Triad, MisOr Tri and UPLB Tarantados.

Cash prizes amounting the P300,000 will be up for grabs aside from MultiSports trophies to be awarded to team champion and male and female age group champs.

Club champion and age groupers who will dominate their categories for three consecutive years will keep the trophies permanently.