3 teams to contend for Ironman top honors

MANILA, Philippines - Members of Fitness First-Nathan, 7-11-ROX and the Starting Line teams all eye top finishes when they plunge into action in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines on Aug. 14 at the CamSur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur.

“We hope to get at least half of our competitors on the podium,” said Fitness First-Nathan’s Mark Ellis, who topped last year’s men’s 40-44 age bracket.

Ellis and his wife Doray have assembled a 20-member crew composed mostly of working executives and professionals who balances between work and family, for this year’s competitions.

“We have entries in each age group – 50, 40, 30, and 20 – and we should have one in podium for each,” said Ellis.

Andrew Chinalpan and his 15-member 7-11 ROX team see another Top 3 finish for its mixed relay team.

“We won third in the mixed relay last year; hopefully we can make second or even first this year,” said Chinalpan, also hopeful to land in the podium in the age groups.

For Raoul Floresca and The Starting Line, the goal ranges from just being able to finish the races to topping the age-brackets and nailing berths to the World Championships.

The three teams got an extra boost as they hooked up with Nathan, the world leader in innovative hydration and reflective gear and multisport accessories, along with leading recreational outdoor equipment provider ROX.

“We like the diversity in the teams. They all have different goals and we want to support not just the podium finishers but also the athletes who will make personal achievements. We want to promote the sport to the public as well,” said Mariel Flores, brand associate for Nathan.

Nathan will provide Fitness First-Nathan, 7-11-ROX and The Starting Line triathletes with race uniforms and hydration gears to help them go through the rigors of the prestigious long-distance triathlon event.