Tough battle seen in Tri United 3 tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Top triathletes brace for a tight battle in the Tri United 3 this Sunday on a course starting at Subic Bay at 6 a.m. and ending at Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

In the male Open competition of the first-ever triathlon to use the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), August Benedicto will test his might against the likes of Benjamin Rana Jr., Dan Brown and Philip Atento. Sans his rivals from the national team, Benedicto looms as the heavy favorite although Rana could pull off an upset.

The event is  sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Enervon Activ, Active Health Sports Gel, Enervon HP, Alaxan FR, Hydrite, Aboitiz, AboitizPower, OtterBox, Shimano, Maxxis, Crystal Clear, Pocari Sweat, Orbea, Saucony, Timex, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine, The Philippine STAR, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department and venue partners Sandbox at Alviera, BCDA, SCTEX, SFEX and MNTC.

Tri United series points leader Anna Stroh hopes to duplicate her Tri United 2 gold medal finish as she faces off with series rival Ani Karina De Leon-Brown (Tri United 2’s second placer) on the distaff side. Kristina Beckendorf is the other competitor.

The team relay competition has attracted 53 teams.

The event, which drew over 650 participants, is organized by Bike King (headed by Raul Cuevas)  with  Unilab Active Health as presentor. Tri United 3 covers a 112.9-km range from Subic Bay (with 1.9K swim at Dungaree Beach), then along the SCTEX (90 K bike with turnaround points) before it ends at Alviera in Porac, Pampanga (second transition, 21K run and finish line).

At stake in the Open category is P40,000, with P10,000 to the champion P6,000 to second and P4,000 to third along with gift packs and medals.

The top three winners in the age-groups and relay categories will be awarded medals and gift packs while the top three in the team competition get one Timex watch per member (champion team), P4,000 worth of Saucony performance shoes GCs (second) and OtterBox GCs (third).

Athletes leading the Tri United series points – Anna Stroh (Women’s Open), Brian Borling (M 25-29), Edison Morales (M 35-39), Rayzon Galdonez (M 40-44), Jojo Macalintal (M 45-49), Frank Lacson (M 50-54), Thomas Kuhne (M 55-above), Jayline Balatibat (F 30-34), Lezette Albarote (F 35-39), Doray Ellis (F 40-44) and Mariel Martinez Powell (F 45-49) – will be competing to solidify their lead for the overall 2014 Tri United ranking.

In the team competition, Sante Barley is the series points leader followed by Fitness First and Herbalife.

Tri United 3 will mark the end of the series and its results will be known afterwards. On Nov. 10 the Tri United series winners (first third place) will be awarded.

For the 2015 season of Tri United, registration for TU1 up to TU3 will open on Nov. 15. For registration, visit www.bikekingphilippines.com.