Foreign bets to vie in Subic’s Asian duathlon

Scenic Subic in Zambales awaits a full weekend of running and biking as the second Asian Duathlon Championship (ADC) gets underway on Nov. 16-17.

Co-organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the annual continental event is expecting the participation of seven ASTC member countries led by Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Macau.

The event, sponsored by Speedo, Philippine Sports Commission, Nextel, Crossover 105.1 FM, Reliv Philippines and the Philippine Olympic Committee Sports for All Commission, is expected to attract around 200 participants who will endure a challenging Standard Distance 10Km run-40 Km bike-5 Km run course in the Freeport zone.

Leading the national team is triathlon champion George Vilog, who has long prepared to win the national male category along with teammates Noel Salvador, Abet Biagan, Mark Candelaria and junior sprint triathlon champion Francis Mercado. Not to be outdone is rising duathlete Ryan "Bad Boy" Mendoza of the Philippine Air Force.

Among the ladies, national champion Ani de Leon and U/23 champion Katherine Kaye Lopez are expected to deliver a slugfest for the national female crown and not far behind them are Amale Mendezona-Jopson and 2001 ADC medalist Anna Marissa "Popo" Nagtalon.

Also at stake are titles and prizes for U/23 (Asian/National), age-groups 23-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-over and 40-over (females). Trophies will be rewarded to Elite category winners and age-group winners will be receiving medals. All winners will be given gift items and specially designed t-shirts.