Challenged by their dad, Borlain sisters rule Alaska IronKids

Borlain sisters hug it out at the finish line of Alaska IronKids in Cebu. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LAPU-LAPU CITY—Ringo Borlain tested her daughters’ resolve by threatening to skip the race.

But Tara and Samantha Borlain courageously overcame their father’s challenge with another successful finish in the Alaska IronKids Philippines.

The Borlains, perennial winners the past five years, ruled the girls’ 13-14 bracket with a 1-2 victory performance that began and ended Saturday at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, their last race together in the biggest age group triathlon in the country.

“It’s about time they do something without me, because I will not be there all the time,’’ said Ringo, who coached and monitored his kids closely throughout their careers.

Ringo showed up at the finish line after initially telling her daughters that he won’t be able to make it by race time.

It hardly mattered after the 13-year-old Tara crossed the line in 46 minutes and 31 seconds, 26 seconds ahead of second-placer Samantha, 14, who bade the IronKids adieu on her farewell race.

“I want to know what they would feel without me. I saw their character. They’re so focused, so determined,’’ said the elder Borlain.

Karen Andrea Manayon placed third in 47:14 and Everly Jana Macalalad, a bronze medalist in the super sprint category of the prestigious 2016 Singapore International, faded in the run segment to finish fourth (48:18) in the 400-meter swim, 12-kilometer bike and 3k run contest.

In the boys division, Juan Francisco Baniqued sped away on the bike stretch to claim the IronKids trophy for the third time this year.

“I was surprised when I pulled away on the bike. It used to be my weakness,’’ said Baniqued, who placed second in the super sprint of the Singapore International three weeks ago.

The 13-year-old from Colegio de San Agustin in Binan, Laguna clocked 44:49 to subdue Joe Bernard Sarmiento (45:42) and Jose Manuel Arao (45:49).

Hyonde Keum won the boys 11-12 plum in 35:45 while Catherine Angeli Yu timed 36:14 to rule the girls’ 11-12
grouping.

Also finishing at the top of their groups were Matthew Justine Hermosa and Kira Ellis in the boys and girls 9-10, Connor Hodges in the boys’ 6-8 and Franchezka Borlain (girls’ 6-8), the youngest among the Borlain sisters.

“Sam can do other sports but she loves triathlon. I told them to get a coach because I can’t coach them
all the time,’’ said Borlain.

“But my daughters told me that I’m the only coach they have, so this now becomes a lifetime commitment.’’