Kevin Eijansantos, Carpo top Anvaya Cove triathlon

MANILA, Philippines—Former University of Santo Tomas high school swimmer Kevin Lyndonn Eijansantos made a strong case for his inclusion in the national pool next year by reigning supreme in the 4th Anvaya Cove International Triathlon Saturday at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club (ACBNC) in Morong, Bataan.

Leading from start to finish, the 19-year-old Eijansantos timed two hours, 13 minutes and 30 seconds in the extended 1.2-kilometer swim, 32-km bike and 6-km run course.

Marc Alexander Altura, slowed down by cramps late in the race, settled for second with a time of 2:14:17, while last year’s champion Levy Ang slipped to third with a 2:20:36 clocking.

Altura came within 50 meters of Eijansantos in the second transition, but his rally fizzled out because of cramps.

Eijansantos’ victory was made more remarkable by the fact that he just returned from sick bay and had to negotiate a course made more challenging by inclement weather.

Veteran Franchesca Carpo shared the limelight with Eijansantos by bagging the women’s title in 2:50:07.

Carpo made her move in the third and final loop of the bike leg to hold off Vanessa Aguirre, who wound up second in 2:52:17. Celma Hitalia took the bronze in 2:53:24 in the competition organized by ACBNC in partnership with the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, Globe Business and Ayala Land Premier.

Team Hufana ruled the relay of the races that drew a record 169 triathletes.

Bacolod’s pride Mari Campos topped the under-8 aquathlon, while siblings Samantha Nalo and Nathan Nalo from Pampanga ruled the girls’ U-8 aquathlon and boys’ 11-12 Super Tri-Kids categories.

Eijansantos’ younger sister Nicole Danielle topped the girls’ 9-10 STK.

The other winners were Arrion Zachary Maranon (16-24), Jose Arcega (25-29), Elmer Santiago (30-34), Alexander Isip (35-39), Gregory Maranon (40-44), Albert Altura (45-49), Chito Generosa (50-54), Joel Ferrer (55-59), George Juico (60 and over), Ana Karina Mendoza (women’s 16-26) and Lyka Mendoza (women’s 35-44).

The other STK winners: Benjamin Pangilinan (boy’s 9-10 division), Maria Margarita Delos Reyes (girls’ 11-12 bracket), Allen Santiago and Victoria Deldio (13-15 class).