MANILA, Philippines — Making a strong comeback after a one-year hiatus, the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Princesa on March 2 has drawn a formidable lineup of competitors, with over 60 percent of participants hailing from 45 different countries, reinforcing its reputation as a premier international endurance race when it is fired off on March 2.

The event has seen a surge in international participation, with triathletes from Australia, China, France, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States set to challenge local powerhouses. This influx of elite foreign athletes is expected to heighten the level of competition and increase the race's global prestige.