A slew of campaigners in the Alveo 5150 Subic Bay which gets going this Sunday are using the upcoming endurance race held under the Olympic-style setup as part of their buildup for the tougher IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa next month.

Bea Quiambao, a top bet both in the overall individual championship and in the 20-24 age category, is one of the bidders priming up for the premier triathlon race, set over a punishing 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-kilometer bike and 21.1-kilometer run, on 13 November which will feature a number of foreign and local aces.

Quiambao is actually seeking a second victory in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometerm run event after topping the 5150 Bohol last July but while the Next Step Tri stalwart is upbeat, she remains wary of her chances with a host of talented triathletes also coming into the event brimming with confidence and in top form.

They include Jacquelyn Cruz of Chery Auto PH and Charlotte Jackson of Fit PH, who are also both vying in the 25-29 division, Trifam's Ma. Klarissa Daly, who is also competing in the 30-34 class with Kath Lagunsad of Sante Barley Tri Team and 45-49 age group campaigner Annalie Marfil of Jumpstart Tri Club, headed by coach Patrick Joson.