Villanueva heads Atleta Ako aquathlon winners

MANILA, Philippines—Andrea Villanueva overcame fatigue in the final leg to rule the 1st Atleta Ako Women’s Aquathlon on Sunday at Philsports Complex.

Villanueva, a member of the University of the Philippines swimming team, banked on what she does best to top the 500m swim-6K run with a time of 39 minutes and 38 seconds.

“My swimming was okay but I got tired in the run,” admitted Villanueva, who also reigned supreme in the 18-24 age class.

Other age-group winners were former national duathlon champion Kaye Lopez, who submitted a 40:37 clocking  for the 30-34 division, Ian Banzon   40:50  for 25-29, Tiffany Santos  42:18 for 35-39, Carly Relf 39:54  for 40-44 and Angela Respecki  43:13 for 45-above.

“The last time I competed in a regular race was in 2007, so I had managed my expectations,” said Lopez.

The all-female event drew racers as young as seven and even septuagenarians Polly Joson and Charry Parpan, who both completed the 15-lap relay run.

The 74-year-old Joson partnered with granddaughter Isabella Pascual, while Parpan, 70, teamed up with daughter Lara.

Commissioner Akiko Thomson-Guevara of the Philippine Sports Commission and Atleta Ako owner Cecil Hufana awarded the medals to the winners.

Other winners in the petite class: Celina Recto (30:31), Hannah Miel Sanchez (28:06), Vanessa Agdon (26:09), Aleta Yao (32:31), Jessica Anne Hizon(34:33) and Rocio Pantaleon (38:45). Jasmine W. Payo