Teener Macalalad rules Animo Sprint Triathlon

A BUDDING triathlete outclassed the veterans in the recent Century Tuna Animo Sprint Triathlon 2012 at the Narra Park in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City.

Edward Vince Jared Macalalad, a 15-year-old Philippine National Games medalist, conquered the 600m swim-15.2K bike-3.4K run distance in 52 minutes and 26 seconds to capture the gold in the male adult super mini sprint distance.

“My experience in the PNG helped a lot,” said Macalalad, a silver medalist in the recent PNG in Dumaguete City. “It gave me more confidence that I can excel in triathlon.”

Macalalad placed second in the swim leg, before pulling away in the bike and run stages to beat his closest pursuer, Ryan Aquino, by nearly six minutes.

The 34-year old Aquino timed 58:03 while 21-year-old Angelo Diaz rounded out the podium finishers with a 58:45 clocking.

The De La Salle Brothers organized the race along with La Salle Green Hills Batch 1981 to generate scholarship funds for the St. Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle in Bataan.

“We have less participants this year but we’re happy with the turnout because the event was well organized. More importantly, we will be able to continue sending at least 100 kids to school,” said Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Corporation and a member of LSGH ‘81.

Nicole Danielle Eijansantos led the winners in the Super Tri Kids event in 16:55 while Nathan Nalo topped the boy’s 11-12 division in 19:28.

Javier Ocampo (26:58) and Christianne Noelle De Vera (33:49) ruled the adult mini sprint of the event also backed by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, AAV Association and the Philippine Sports Commission. Jasmine W. Payo