Bellevue Resort 5i50 unfurls today

PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines — Australian Sam Betten is facing a tough challenge in his three-peat bid as his compatriot and Ironman champ Tim Reed out to ruin his plan in the Bellevue Resort 5i50 triathlon which unwraps today at the Bellevue Resort here.

“Having won the race last two years, I am excited to try for a three-peat,” said Betten.

Aside from Reed, other elite athletes who will challenge Betten in the pro men’s division are Dan Brown and Gabe Manner.

Also, 10 Asian elites are out to strut their wares including Jorry Ycong, Paul Jumamil and Emmanuel Commendador.  Cebuanos John Philip Duenas and Joseph Miller along with veteran August Benedicto are also expected to shine.

In the distaff side, it’s a three-way fight in the pro women’s division crown between Dimity Lee-Duke, Kerry Morris and Lauren Wassner after defending champ Amelia Watkinson will not be seeing action.

Aside from pros and Asian elites, over 300 triathletes are out to compete in the different age-brackets in the full distance covering 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run.

Organizers of the event also included a sprint distance   with Talisay City’s Andrew Kim Remolino and teammate Karen Manayon considered to be the top bets.

There are also seven teams competing in the all-male squad, two in the all-female and 15 in the mixed relay. (FREEMAN)