Over 300 Triathletes Signed Up to Compete in Cobra Ironman

PILI, Camarines Sur (1 July 2009) - A total of 312 triathlon athletes, over 50 of them foreigners, have registered as of press time to compete in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines slated August 23, 2009 at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex here.

The impressive field of enthusiasts of this demanding sport is led by 2007 world champion Chris McCormack of Australia who is however expected to face tough competition from Tim Marr of the United States who has a fresh Ironman 70.3 championship won in China last April, New Zealand's eight-time Ironman titlist Kiwi Cameron Brown, Canadian Lisa Bentley who has 11 Ironman titles, and Australian Charlotte Paul, another Ironman China winner.

Other triathletes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Sweden Canada, Austria, United Kingdom, Slovakia, China, Germany, Singapore, and Mexico have thus far signed up.

Local personalities who have signed up are headed by Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation, principal sponsor of the competition together with Asia Brewery, in partnership with Governor LRay Villafuerte and the province of Camarines Sur.

Other local personalities are Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr., Senator Pia Cayetano, ABS-CBN bigwig Ernie Lopez, and Fernando Zobel.

The gruelling triathlon incorporates in one lap a 1.2 mile (a little less than 2 km) swim at the Lago del Rey of the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC), a 13.1-mile (over 21 km) run from the CWC to San Antonio Milaor and back, and a 56-mile (over 90 km) cycling leg from CWC to Nato, Sagñay and back, for a total distance of 70.3 miles (over 113 km), hence the name Cobra Triathlon 70.3.  gbc/mmec