Metafit Tri Team out to inspire

CEBU, Philippines – Complete and not compete.

This will be the battlecry of the Metafit Tri Team when they take part in the highly-anticipated Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines on August 2 at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Led by no less Cebuano fitness ambassador Alan 'Coach A' G. Choachuy, Metafit will be sending in a 21-man contingent composed of professionals from various fields including architects, engineers, doctors, bank executives, a fashion designer and even a CEO of a shipping company.

Aside from Choachuy, Metafit's individual contenders are Guian Capacite, Fritz Co, PJ Cañedo, Janet Remedio Solis, and Leslie Peson.

Seeing action in the relay category are Randy Guilles, Joy Padilla Bascug and Jinggoy Bascug of Team Pro H, Alex Sy, Jeffrey Cataag and Joseph Noel of Team Q, Alyssa Sy, Donafel Tacandong and Yves Fernandez of Team BBQ, Joy Ortaliz, Golda Grace and Maui Recla of Team Trio and Janise Alcantara, Mario Alcantara, and Zusette Co of Team A-CO.

Choachuy, now on his fourth straight Cobra Ironman appearance, said what makes Metafit different from the other teams is that most of their members have a common background - individuals who once lead sedentary lives but now nurture a healthy lifestyle through the sport of triathlon.

"Our goal is to complete not compete," said Choachuy, who found a new meaning to his being following his life-changing stint in the 'Biggest Loser', a popular reality television show, four years ago. "We still give our best effort in every race, but winning is only a bonus. What matters most for us is that we are able to make a difference and inspire others."

Choachuy and his Metafit disciples are part of a record-number 2,814 participants from 52 countries who are set to participate in this much sought-after race where slots got sold-out within 40 minutes from registration opening.

Spearheaded by Sunrise Events, Inc. in partnership with title sponsor Cobra Energy Drink, the event has also attracted the deepest field of PROs to ever compete in the history Philippine triathlon.

World champions Craig “Crowie” Alexander and Pete “PJ” Jacobs, both from Australia, and defending Cobra Ironman champions Brent McMahon of Canada and Caroline Steffen of Switzerland banner the formidable list of PRO lineup.

The other Ironman big shots include Luke McKenzie, Clayton Fettell, Michael Murphy, Justin Granger, Stef Puszka, Michelle Wu, Sam Betten, Tim Van Berkel, Dimity Lee-Duke, Tim Reed, Derek Cross and Belinda Granger of Australia, Bree Wee and Beth Gerdes of the US,  Cameron Brown of New Zealand, Nick Baldwin of Seychelles, Carole Fuchs of France, and Kathryn Haesner of Germany.

For the fourth straight year, the province of Cebu and the city of Lapu-Lapu plays host to a festive sporting extravaganza. Lapu-Lapu's pristine beach will be the swim venue where participants will get to experience the new “rolling  swim start” and the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay form part of the bike course, which features the “M” loop similar to that of the 2013 edition.

In the days leading to the race proper, the participants as well as the guests are set to experience a world-class Triathlon Expo, the biggest in Asia-Pacific with over 36 exhibitors.

The half-Ironman distance triathlon, also known as the Ironman 70.3, is among the world's most exciting races, attracting hundreds of thousands of athletes and supporters year-round.

The event also serves as qualifying race for the 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Sunshine Coast, Australia where 40 age-group qualifying slots will be at stake. For more details, one may visit www.ironman703phil.com.