FIFTY-TWO two countries will be represented when the 2015 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines blasts off on Aug.2 at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.

The visiting participants will be highlighted with the loaded line-up in the pro class, which includes men's defending champion Brent McMahon of Canada. Also in the race are Australia's Craig “Crowie” Alexander, the three-time Ironman World champion and two-time Ironman 70.3 World champion; and Pete Jacobs, the 2012 Ironman World Championships gold medalist

Joining the fray of elites are Luke Mckenzie of Australia, the three-time 70.3 Philippines women's champion Caroline Steffen of Switzerland, Beth Gerdes of United States, Belinda Granger of Australia, Bree Wee of United States, Dimity-Lee Duke of Australia, Tim Reed, Tim Berkel and Sam Betten.

The 70.3 Ironman race covers 1.9-kilometer swim, 90K bike and 21K run route which is staged within cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay for fourth consecutive years now.

The event will also have the age group division, relay, and the Filipino elite class which showcases the country's top-tier triathletes.

Cebu will be leaning on last year's men's Filipino elite second placer John Philip Dueñas and third placer Kristiane Lim, an Alcantara, Cebu-native, who started training under Alaska Tri-Aspire professional team and has set up base in Luzon early this year.

The 2015 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines will start things off with a Send-Off Expo at the SMX Hall 2, SM Aura Premier on July 3 to 5 before heading to Cebu.