RELUCTANT standout Mervin Santiago easily topped the first leg of the 2015 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series on Dungaree Beach in Subic recently.
The 22-year-old Santiago conquered the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run event in two hours, 17 minutes and 34 seconds, posting the best time for the third straight year while also ruling the male 18-24 age bracket.
“I wasn’t supposed to compete because I thought it was too early in the year,” Santiago said in Filipino. “But when I learned that this is a qualifying event for the PNG (Philippine National Games), I changed my plans.”
Santiago banked on his strength in the bike and run stages to finish six minutes clear of runner-up Jethro Karl Ramos (2:23:40). Ramos also ruled the 30-34 age bracket.
British expatriate Joanne Plumbley topped all comers in the women’s race while also bagging the 35-39 crown with a 2:42:12 clocking.
The national Para-triathlon team of Andy Avellana, Godfrey Taberna and Raul Angoluan likewise beat abled racers in the relay event with a total time of 2:24:36.
Over 250 racers competed in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Jasmine W. Payo
Other winners: Men’s division—Oscar Miguel Mapalo (25-29), Rhoderick Guieb (35-39), Abe Tayag (40-44), RJ Lorenzo (45-49), Frank Lacson (50-54) and Philip Rynn (55 and above); Women—Kriska Sto. Domingo (25-29), Noelle Frances De Guzman (30-34) and Irene Bartolome (40 and above); Sprint distance and mini-sprint distance medalists: Alfiero Manzanilla and Gloryen Limbo (16-19), Paul David Nevelos and Nhea Ann Barcena (20-and-over class), Brent Valelo and Lauren Plaza (13-15) and Anne Deldio (16-19).