MANILA: Former champions Czech Petr Lukosz and Dutch Eric van der Linden are eyeing success in the Ironman (IM) 70.3 Lapu-Lapu which will kick off on Sunday in Mactan, Cebu. Lukosz, winner of the full Ironman Subic in Zambales two years ago, will see action in the 40-44 age category, while Van Linde, last year's champion, will compete in the 50-54 age class of the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race. Filipino John Alcala, who ruled the international Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa in Palawan in 2022 and the IM 70.3 Subic last year, is entered in the men's 30-34 age category. In the women's division, 2023 IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa overall champion Leyann Ramos will banner the 30-34 age group, while Ines Santiago, the champion in Subic, is in the 40-44 age category. Also entered in the 30-34 category are Malgorzata Nowak, Almira Lopez, Christy So, Christy Leung, Rhia Stawicki, Fatima Casimiro-Pineda, Katrina Arellano, Christi Chan, Aiprel Patalinjug, Alexandra Bolzonello of Australia and golfer Mia Piccio . Other contenders in the 40-44 category are Sarah Pelayo, Sarah Eraña, Pearl Madrigal, Rhea Siangko, Wanlun Tsai, Fumi Watanabe, Thuha Tran, Sheila Co and Maryfel Aumentado. Singapore's Ling Er Choo, who won the IM 70.3 Puerto Princesa in 2022, Mitch Otsuru-Park, Yuko Takahashi, Bianca Marcon, Nicole Duenas, Danika Aguilar, Rose Navarro and Genevieve Zozobrado lead the entries in the women's 35-39 category. The other age categories are 18-24, 25-29, 50-54, 55-59, 60-65, 65-69, 70-74 and 75-and-above. A total of 308 athletes are competing in relay events, featuring the all-male, all-female and mixed team. Meanwhile, seven professional athletes will grace the Reyna Bulakna 5K Run on Friday, starting at the Liberty Shrine. The all-female run is named in honor of Lapu-Lapu's wife, Bulakna. Source: Philippines News Agency