Aussie champ seeks Regent 5150 repeat

MANILA, Philippines – Towering Aussie champ Sam Betten banners a crack field racing for top honors when 2016 Regent 5150 Triathlon – the local version of the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon series – fires off June 5 in Subic.

The 6-foot-4 Betten sets out to retain the male pro crown against compatriots Mitch Robins, winner of the first Safeguard 5150, and Dan Brown and Slovakia’s Michal Bucek in the race organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with the country’s leading snack manufacturing company, Regent Foods.

Australia’s 2015 runner-up Dimity-Lee Duke aims to strike gold this time as she battles Kiwi Amelia Rose Watkinson and Aussie Michelle Duffield for the female pro crown, which is now an open race following the retirement of champ Belinda Granger from pro racing.

Competitors in the Filipino elite male and female divisions and age-groupers also showcase their competitive spirit and skills in tackling the 1.5km open-water swim at the Acea Beach, 40km bike and 10km run along the undulating and hot roads of Subic Bay.

The Regent 5150 Triathlon is considered as the answer to triathletes who love to do short-distance but challenging races in a world-class production setup.

Spicing up this year’s race is the inaugural Sunrise Sprint run. Also known as S2, the race features a 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run for beginners.

“It is perfect for beginners wanting to immerse themselves into the sport of triathlon for the first time, for triathlon enthusiasts who wants to race without having to worry about long periods of training or for the tri-warrior who has been off the circuit and is raring to make a comeback,” said Sunrise president Wilfred Uytengsu.

The Regent 5i50 Triathlon is produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.