World’s top triathletes vie in Century Tuna 5150

MANILA, Philippines - Some of the world’s leading triathletes brace for a battle royale in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon, considered as the largest global Olympic distance triathlon series, set Sunday in Subic Bay.

Headlining the elite roster is two-time Ironman world champion (2010 and 2007) and triathlon legend Chris McCormack. A five-time International Triathlete of the Year, McCormack has won over 200 races around the world since 1993, including the 2012 Long Distance Triathlon World Championship (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Ironman Australia tilt (2002-2006), and both ITU Triathlon World and ITU Triathlon World Cup events in 1997.

Top pro triathletes from Australia are also vying for top honors in the event, including 2013 and 2012 Vaseline Men Xterra Philippines champion and 2012 XTERRA Pacific Triple Crown winner Ben Allen, 2011 Rowing world champion, 2012 Dextro Energy (Sydney) Triathlon winner and 2012 Northeim (Germany) Triathlon champion Michael Murphy.

Also back in the hunt are last year’s Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon champion Belinda Granger, who also won the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Japan championship and 2011 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines tilt.

Jacqui Slack, last year’s Xterra World Tour Italy champion and 2013 Vaseline Men Xterra Philippines fourth placer, is also expected to contend for the crown.

Others tipped to crowd the favorites in the men’s side are global pro triathletes Luke McKenzie, Justin Granger, Fredrik Croneborg, Luke Gillmer and Matt O’Halloran.

Overall, the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon brings together triathletes from 23 countries including United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States of America, Singapore, France, Germany, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines.

Now on its second year, the 5150 Triathlon offers a demanding competition with a very challenging race course that involves a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.

The event is organized by Sunrise Events Inc., the same group producing the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines, and sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, 2XU, Air Asia, Alaska, Aqua Sphere, Cupcakes by Sonja, David’s Salon, Department of Tourism Region 3, Devant, Finisher Pix, Gatorade, Globe, Intercare, LBC Solutions, Manila Beer, Mastercard, Multisport, Oakley, Prudential Guarantee, Philippines Star, Planet Sports, Regent, Safeguard, Samsung, Shotz and Timex.