Celebs vie in tougher Ironman 70.3 As-Pac

MANILA, Philippines - Local celebrities take time out from their hectic schedules to compete on a bigger, tougher stage – the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championships presented by Ford which fires off Aug. 7 in Cebu.

Matteo Guidicelli, Xander Angeles, Ivan Carapiet, Kim Atienza, Paul Jake Castillo, Gilbert Remulla, Dyan Castillejo and organizing Sunrise Events Inc. founder Wilfred Uytengsu have signed up for the premier continental swim-bike-run event being held in the country for the first time.

They will all vie in the individual competitions of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run while Dingdong Dantes (bike), Piolo Pascual (bike), Anthony Pangilinan (bike), Hannah Pangilinan (swim), Gretchen Fullido (swim), Bubbles Paraiso (run), Ella Pangilian (run) and Sam YG (swim) likewise take a break from the numerous news and showbiz commitments to join in the relay team event of the top-level endurance race set to start and end at Shangrila-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

They will be among the more than 2,900 triathletes from 43 countries set to compete in the upcoming event, produced and organized by SEI and backed by Cobra Energy Drink as title sponsor with Ford as presenting sponsor and Globe Telecom as official wireless and broadband services partner, making it the biggest ever not only in terms of participation but also in prize money with a record total of $75,000 at stake in the keenly awaited elite pro category.

Backed by major partners Philippine Airlines, Summit Water, 2Go Express (official courier and logistics partner), Asics, Gatorade, Prudential Guarantee, Oakley and Timex, the event will mark the first time the AsPac tourney will be held outside Australia and New Zealand.