MANILA, Philippines: Locally triathletes get set for a duel of strength, speed and staying power not only in quest of top podium finishes in their respective age categories in the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa but also in chase of coveted berths to this year's world championship in New Zealand.

The 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim, 90km (56-mile) and 21.1km (13.1-mile) run event, which reels off Sunday (Nov. 12), is offering 40 age-group qualifying slots plus an additional 15 spots for women to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship on Dec. 14-15 in Taupo, a town near the center of New Zealand's North Island.