Santiago keeps Anvaya triathlon Elite crown

After his dominating debut last year, Mervin Santiago came out just as strong yesterday and topped the 7th Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon anew at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club in Morong, Bataan.

Santiago, who started pulling away in the bike leg, conquered the Olympic distance of 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run with a time of two hours, 43 minutes and 23 seconds to retain the male Elite crown.

“My familiarity with [the course] helped me,” said the 22-year-old Santiago.

Lyka Leather, who also had to play catch-up in the run leg, ruled the female Elite side with a 3:46:59 clocking.

Early leader Nylah Bautista was too spent in the final stretch and finished in 4:00:28, almost 13 minutes behind the 43-year-old Leather.

Ana Maria Karina Mendoza rounded out the female top three in 4:36:23.

Santiago also emerged as a runaway winner in the men’s side with second placer Raymund Velasco crossing the finish line three minutes later in 2:46:34, followed by veteran Abe Tayag in 2:54:52.

The Deldio sisters, meanwhile, completed a triple title romp with Vicky ruling the sprint competition, Nica the 13-15 mini-sprint and Anne the 16-above mini-sprint.

Vicky, who saw action in the Youth Olympics, finished the 750m swim-20K bike-5K run in 1:24:59.

Nica (47:55) and Anne (51:47) also submitted fine times that made for a unique triumph for the sisters from Olongapo City.

Nicoli Roxas (1:38:48) ruled the men’s sprint, while Brent Velalo (39:48) and Leonard De Ocampo (59:44) topped the male mini-sprint.

OTHER RESULTS—Men’s age groups: Genesis Nergara (18-24), Timothy Mallario (25-29), Jethro Ramos (30-34), Mark Adrian Hernandez (35-39), Junrox Roque (40-44), RJ Lorenzo (45-49), Juan Ramon Felix (50-54), Catalino Mandi Jr. (55-59), Brigilio Balaba (60-over); Women’s age groups: Irish Ivy Domingo (18-24), Ma. Theresa Andres (25-34); Team relay: Tri Delta/999 Seth, 1:28.09 (Aries Louie, Ron Pineda); Family Team Relay: Hannah Kathleen, Anthony and Donny Pangilinan. SuperTriKids 8-under aquathlon: (Boys) Anton Vince Castillo, (Girls) Calista Felise Silamor; Triathlon: (9-10 boys) Samuel Compton, (9-10 girls) Isabella Pascual; (11-12 boys) Juan Francisco Baniqued, (11-12 girls) Samantha Borlain. Jasmine W. Payo