Legends grace Century Tuna full Ironman

MANILA, Philippines — Local triathlon fans get a chance to see and mingle with Ironman legends Dave Scott of the US and Craig Alexander in a rare appearance of two of the sport’s most recognizable figures at the Shangri-La at The Fort tomorrow.

Scott and Alexander will be on hand to share their exploits, including highlights of their illustrious careers and at the same time give tips and pointers to the wannabes, enthusiasts, weekend runners and regular triathlon campaigners in a two-hour meet-and-greet session from 4 p.m.

Scott, who earned the moniker “The Man” for his record six Ironman World Championship title in Kona, Hawaii, was the first to be inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame while Alexander was a three-time world champion and the course record holder for the Ironman World Championship.

Both are now into coaching, guiding a number of future triathlon champions.

They hope to inspire the athletes in what has long been considered as the triathlon capital in Asia with the two legends’ presence likewise to generate interest in the run-up to the first Century Tuna full Ironman slated Sunday in Subic.

Scott and Alexander will also head to the race site this weekend to be with the participants, numbering 1,278 triathletes, all hoping to complete the first-ever full triathlon in the country.

At the forefront of the inaugural full Ironman is Century Tuna, which after successfully hosting three 5150 and three 70. 3 events, is now putting up the ultimate test in endurance racing in partnership with the country’s producer and organizer of triathlon – Sunrise Events, Inc., which is celebrating a decade of Ironman staging here.

Eight hundred thirty-three local triathletes banner the huge field in the centerpiece event which drew bets from 47 countries, including 78 each from China and Japan, 54 from the US, 47 from Singapore and 29 from Australia with Great Britain and Northern Ireland fielding in a combined 18-triathlete delegation and Korea sending in 16.

Other backers of the event are venue hosts SBMA and ACEA Subic Bay, bike leg racing partners NLEX and SCTEX, courier and logistics partner Black Arrow Express, footwear sponsor Hoka One One, hydration partners Gatorade and Aquafina, swim cap TYR, energy gel Gu, bike mechanics Storck;

David’s Salon, Intercare and Prudential Guarantee (major sponsors), Hyper HD on Cignal, The Philippine STAR Trilife,Asiatri.com and Finisherpix (media partners), Alcoplus, Cetaphil, Devant, Ford, PLDT, Regent, Sanicare and Timex (marketing sponsors) and Active Network (registration partner).