Safeguard Triathlon unfurls in Bohol today

PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines – Close to 800 triathletes from all over the country and a bunch of foreign bets led by Australian pros are all set for this year's Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon today in Bellevue, one of the island's best resorts here.

"Our aim for this event is to encourage even more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and embrace multi-sport training and racing. While we recognize that people may have an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event as a "bucket list" item, we also realize that you need to start somewhere and this event does exactly that," said Sunrise Event's president Wilfred Uytengsu.

Leading the cast of top contenders are Australian pros are Sam Betten, Mitch Robins, Michael Murphy, and Justin Granger.

In the distaff side, all eyes will be on Justin's wife Belinda Granger as she makes her last race as a pro. In her quest for the coveted title, she is expected to face tough challenge from Dimity Lee Duke and top Filipina elite Monica Torres.

A host of Filipino elites will also be seeing action including Cebu's top bets John Philip Duenas, Elmo Clarrabal, Jorry Ycong, Kristianne Lim and Mendel Lopez.

In the women's side, the stars to watch out are Cebuana Louie Villacin, LC Langit, Kim Mangrobang, and Claire Adorna.

A good number of Cebuano triathletes are also out to join in this standard distance race as part of their final reparation for next week's 8080 Triathlon in San Remigio north of Cebu. (FREEMAN)