Ironman 70.3 set March 8 in Subic

MANILA, Philippines – After holding 5,150 triathlon races in the last three years, Century Tuna has upped the ante after it announced Wednesday it will host the IronMan 70.3 Triathlon on March 8 in Subic Bay.

"Century Tuna has supported the triathlon and fitness community in the Philippines for years now as a way of remaining committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for Filipinos," said Century Tuna General Manager Greg Banzon during Wednesday’s event launch at the New World Hotel.

"We felt it was time to offer Filipinos a bigger challenge that keeps pace with the expectations of the community.

"The interest so far, tells us that the inaugural Century Tuna IronMan 70.3 is met with high anticipation and excitement, and will soon be part of the triathletes’ calendar," he added.

A record 20 professionals headed by three-time IronMan world champion and two-time IronMan 70.3 titlist Craig Alexander, Luke Mackenzie and Carolione Steffen are going to Subic to spice up the race.

"We expect a record participation," said organizing Sunrise president and CEO Wilfred Uytengsu.

Uytengsu also said the Century Tuna race will serve as a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See-Kaprin, Austria late this year aside from the $15,000 total prize purse.

"There will be 30 slots at stake," said Uytengsu.

Interestingly, the Subic event marks the first time that there will be an IronMan 70.3 race in the same year as Sunrise has been holding one during the month of August the past five years now.

The course includes a 1.9-kilometer swim at the Sands of Triboa, a 90-km bike ride that will pass through Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and a 21-km run that will thread through the whole of Subic Bay.

The race is sponsored by The Philippine STAR, Vita Coco, Gatorade, 2Go Express, Saucony, SBMA, Manila North Tollway Corp., NLEX, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Endurance Magazine, Century Bangus, Sante Barley, Prudential Guarantee, Department of Tourism, Timex, David's Salon, Smart, PLDT Subictel, Intercare, FinisherPix, Shotz, Devant and Belo.