Taking fine form going to Bohol this weekend, Irienold Reig Jr. is the odds-on pick to successfully defend his Sun Life 5150 title at Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island.

After finishing in the podium at Ironman 70.3 in Subic last month, Reig has all the momentum he needs going into the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run event even as Bea Quiambao comes to Bohol seeking to regain the crown she first won three years ago.

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Quiambo will encounter resistance from the likes of Davao’s Jessica Palermo and Rara Torres, Cebu’s Casey Robyn Un, Bukidnon’s Sophia Belican, Ilocos Sur’s Frea Billedo, Las Piñas’ Katrina Bisuña, Parañaque’s Ma. Angela Salazar, Cadiz’s Nonelie Paclibar, and seasoned campaigner Ines Santiago.

Like Reig, Quiambao remains cautiously optimistic in her bid for another Bohol crown, aware of the strong, determined field of contenders eyeing the overall individual title and top finishes in their respective age-group divisions of the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc.

Reig clocked two hours, three minutes and 33 seconds win winning last year, putting himself at the crosshairs of contenders like Sean Bantol, Christian Jimenez and Michael Jayoma, among others.

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And then there’s local favorite Jonathan Pagaura, runner-up in 2022’s inaugural event, and Cebu veteran Jorry Ycong, who are also listed as top contenders.

This year’s Olympic-distance race has drawn competitors from 21 countries, including nine each from the United States and Hong Kong, six from Great Britain, and four from Australia.

Age group competitions span from 16-19 to 70 and above, underscoring the event’s inclusive spirit.