Showbiz personalities, politicians to add glamour to XTERRA event

CEBU, Philippines - Richard Gutierrez and Matteo Guidicelli, television actors and commercial models with Cebuano lineage, are expected to add glitz and glamour to the highly-anticipated Vaseline Men XTERRA event this weekend at the picturesque Amara subdivision in Liloan, Cebu.

Gutierrez, who has played several lead roles in GMA-7 shows, will compete in the 24-29 age bracket, while Guidicelli, a decorated racer-turned actor who has starred in television series of ABS-CBN, will flex his athletic muscles in the triahtlon segment of the Xterra Lite under the 24-29 class.

Joining Gutierrez and Guidicelli in the list of prominent personalities set to see action in the star-studded race are Senator Pia Cayetano, businessman/sportsman Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr., Liloan Mayor Vincent Franco "Duke" Frasco and former COMELEC commissioner Gregorio "Goyo" Larrazabal among others.

The two-day tilt kicks off with a demanding trail run on March 17. Featuring 21K, 10K and 5K categories, the top male and female finishers will take home cash prizes. Most importantly, top age group finishers for the 21K trail will qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championships slated in Oahu, Hawaii this year. 

Capping off the exciting weekend are two triathlon events on March 18 with the XTERRA Lite and the XTERRA Philippines Championship.

The XTERRA Lite involves a 500-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run. On the other hand, the XTERRA Philippines Championship involves a more grueling challenge with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 30-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run. - THE FREEMAN