Six Cebuano triathletes to join Ironman Arizona

CEBU, Philippines - Six of Cebu's hardcore triathletes face another challenge as they compete in the Ironman Arizona in Tempe on November 15.

The six are Meyrick Jacalan, siblings Andrew and Jane-Jane Ong, Jose Merdino "Jomer" Lim, Dr. Alberto Solis and Gianluca Guidicelli who were also the same group that conquered the IM Asia-Pacific Championships in Melbourne, Australia last year.

Jacalan who is heading the group said that even if they have already done a full Ironman full, they still trained even harder for next week's battle as they aim for a faster time.

"We hope that we will finish a bit faster compared to last year but last year's Melbourne race," said Jacalan.

Part of their preparation is swimming in Balinsasayaw Lake as Arizona's swim part will be done in a lake.

 "We've trained for nearly 20 weeks for this race and every week we extend the distance of our bike, our run and our swim to improve our time because joining a full Ironman is no joke," added Jacalan.

Aside from the six, there are 43 other Pinoy triathletes seeing action in Arizona plus more than 50 Fil-American participants according to Sunrise Event's general manager Princess Galura. (FREEMAN)