Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay brought world class triathlon racing to its new home at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. Asian Elite and one of the nation’s top triathletes August Benedicto said with proper care the beach in Subic could compare with the best beaches in the country.
“Kailangan lang i-maintain iyong nasimulan na nilang linisin iyong boardwalk. Dapat bantayan na lang nila. Ngayon napakaganda ng ayos. Napaka ganda ng set up. I-continue na lang ng mga nandito sa Subic para meron tayong taga rito mga local na pwede silang mag swim ng libre. Pag pumunta ka pa sa ibang beach, may bayad. Eto na ang libre. Kailangan maintain na lang nila,” said Benedicto.
The international race not only assembled an stellar field of the best triathletes from all over the world but more importantly started with a cleanup of the beach of Subic Bay.
Triathlete Nathaniel Nanglihan agreed with Benedicto’s observation that with improvement triathletes could race in the beach.
“Overall, the swim course was fine. However, they could have done more efforts in the clean up within the beach and adjacent areas. There was a bit of waves. The water was not as clear as we would have liked. Nevertheless, it was just another aspect of the race that we had to adapt to,” said Nanglihan.
The part time athlete and General Manager of Cman Maritime said the heat was the most difficult aspect of the Subic triathlon.
“The heat was grueling especially during the run. The heat itself became a daunting challenge all on its own. It could make the difference between making it and giving up. That’s why Subic is one of the most challenging terrain for IRONMAN,” said Nanglihan.
Preparation, hard work and prayers were the key factors which helped him complete his first IRONMAN 70.3 race.
“I am blessed to have finished my first Subic IRONMAN 70.3. I offer this victory to the Almighty who has strengthened and sustained me throughout the training, the low points, and all the way to the finish line,” said Nanglihan.
Tim Reed and Caroline Steffen regained their winning forms to rule the men’s and women’s category of the 2019 Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3.
Reed said he was very happy to win again and particularly overjoyed that he won here in the Philippines. Tim Van Berkel placed second to Reed while 2018 IRONMAN Philippines winner Nick Baldwin was third.
Steffen on the other hand said she was quite comfortable during the race where she led from start to finish. Dimity Lee Duke placed second to Steffen while Laura Wood was third.
The world class race featured an international cast who were quite satisfied with the triathlon race with the swim leg held at Subic Bay beach.