Deluge of entries for Ironman Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - Even though the deadline for registration of the Ironman 70.3 Philippines is on May 31 yet, the number of participants have already overflowed to 1,600, according to event coordinator Oscar 'Boying' Rodriguez, Jr.

Initially, the organizers are targeting only 1,500 entries for the keenly-awaited sporting extravaganza slated on August 5 at Shangri-la in Mactan Island, but they were forced to accommodate a hundred more.

With that, some foreign athletes who want to join the grueling race have to be placed in the waiting list including 20 Hong Kong nationals.

Out of the confirmed entries, seven will see action in the pro division including two Phl bets in Dan Brown and Arland Macasieb. Brown, a 15-time Ironman, will compete under the wings of Vellum Cycles.

Aside from the Pinoys, the rest of the competitors come from 20 countries namely Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Guam, Germany, Korea, Hong Kong, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Peru.  (FREEMAN)