Over 300 triathletes to see action in Xterra Championship Weekend

MANILA, Philippines – The Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series, the world's off-road triathlon event, will kick off with the Vaseline Men Xterra Championship Weekend slated from March 2-3 in scenic Liloan, Cebu.

At stake is the top purse worth $15,000 for the professionals and P120,000 for the top Filipino finisher plus 41 slots to this year's Xterra World Championships, considered the Olympics of triathlon, in Maui, Hawaii.

"This year's Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series is bigger and better than last year and has a tougher, more difficult course," said Fred Uytengsu, Alaska CEO and organizing Sunrise chief, in today's media launch at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati that was also attended by Vaseline Men endorser Jericho Rosales.

"This is definitely not for the light-hearted," he added.

The annual Sunrise-organized meet will feature a pair of triathlon events, the Xterra Lite and the Xterra Philippines Championship at a tougher, more challenging course that will bring the local and foreign participants to the pristine waters and rough but picturesque terrains of Liloan, Cebu.

The Xterra Lite will have participants negotiate a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-km run while the Xterra Phl Championship will have them tackle a more gruelling 1.5-km swim, 35-km bike and 10-km run race – all done in one weekend.

A trail run on March 3, which will feature a more demanding course in 21-km, 10-km and 5-km races for males and females, is expected to spice up the weekend.

Over 300 triathletes, including pros from over 40 countries, have confirmed participation in this event presented by Vaseline Men and sponsored by The Philippine STAR, LBC Solutions, Alaska, Summit Water, Multisport, Studio 23, Gatorade, Canon, Aqua Sphere, David's Salon, Intercare, Rocktape, Timex, Smart and Municipality of Liloan, Cebu.

Ben Allen will be back to defend his title against a super strong field that will include last year's runner-up Oliver Marceau, Dan Hugo, Sam Gardner, Matt O'Halloran, Rory Downie, Shahrom Andullah and Bradley Weiss while two-time world champ Lesley Patterson will be the favorite in the women's side.

Vaseline Men brand manager Jonathan Cua said they like what they're seeing in the second year of hosting the Xterra event. Registration for the March 3 trail run is ongoing at www.xterraphil.com and in all Runner Stores nationwide.

"After two years, we're happy with our partnership and we're looking at a more exciting event this year," said Cua.

Same goes with LBC Solutions.

"We are very honored to sponsor this year's Xterra triathlon event," said LBC Solutions president Mike Camahort. "LBC, beyond services, supports the Filipino athletes and believes in the sports values of discipline, determination, endurance."

To know more on the event, log on at www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/vaselinemenph or interested parties may also visit ROX and Runnr stores nationwide for more details.