Century Tuna Stages Inaugural Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Event

Half-Ironman event in Subic Bay adds excitement to PH as international triathlon destination.

MANILA, Philippines (February 2015) — After three years of supporting the 5150 Triathlon, Century Tuna advances further to stage for the first time the Ironman 70.3 triathlon event in Subic Bay this March 8, 2015. The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 is the latest addition to the growing number of races in the thriving triathlon scene in the Philippines.

(L-R) Domingo Enerio III, COO, Tourism Promotions Board; Wilfred Uytengsu, President & CEO, Alaska Milk Corporation; Greg Banzon, General Manager of Century Pacific Food, Inc; & Renato Ticzon, VP - Marketing, Manila North Tollways

The half-Ironman distance triathlon, also known as the Ironman 70.3, is among the world's most exciting races, attracting hundreds of thousands of athletes and supporters year-round. It has been staged a number of times in the country, bringing in professional triathletes from all over the world and slowly building a reputation as a hot triathlon destination in Asia.

“Century Tuna has supported the triathlon and fitness community in the Philippines for years now as a way of remaining committed to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for Filipinos,” said Greg Banzon, General Manager of Century Pacific Food Inc. “We felt it was time to offer Filipinos a bigger challenge that keeps pace with the expectations of the community. The interest so far, which includes that coming from the international triathlete circles, tells us that the inaugural Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 triathlon event is met with high anticipation and excitement, and will soon be part of the triathlete's calendar."

In next month’s Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay, over 20 professionals of various nationalities are expected to arrive including three-time Ironman World Champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Craig Alexander as well as superstars such as Luke Mackenzie and Caroline Steffen. This makes the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay the most competed triathlon race in the country by virtue of the number of professionals at gun start.

The international field of professionals and even age groupers serves as a perfect backdrop for the Century Tuna brand as it expands its presence in the world market. Century Tuna is now exported to 48 countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy and most countries in the Middle East.

Subic Bay has been chosen as the perfect destination for the event due to its accessibility but more importantly because it offers the ideal terrain with its calm waters and well-maintained bike and run routes.

The course includes a 1.9 kilometer swim, which will start and end at Sands of Triboa via the Subic Bay Airport to Transition 1. The 90-kilometer bike ride will commence on the runway heading to Argonaut Highway, Rizal Highway, Subic-Tipo Expressway all the way to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Participants will then make a U-turn upon reaching Florida Blanca Interchange, and head back to Transition 2 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). From the SBECC, participants will take on a 21-kilometer run to the finish line.

On top of the prestige of finishing the Ironman 70.3 race, the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay, Philippines will also serve as a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria. Thirty age-group qualifying slots are at stake, along with a $15,000 prize purse for the event.

Century Tuna Superbods finalists gave the audience more ideas on what can be worn for triathlon events through a fashion show

The event is slated to span over four days from March 5 to 8, 2015 at Subic Bay, Philippines. The Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 is produced and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and made possible through the support of a number of sponsors and partners including: Vita Coco, Gatorade, 2Go Express, Saucony, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Manila North Tollways Corporation, North Luzon Expressway, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, The Philippines Star, Endurance Magazine, Century Bangus, Sante Barley, Prudential Guarantee, Department of Tourism, Tourism and Promotions Board of the Philippines, Timex, David's Salon, Smart Communications, PLDT Subictel, Intercare, FinisherPix, Shotz, Devant and Belo Skin Care.

For more details, visit www.centurypacific.com.ph or www.ironman703subicbay.com.