Santiago stamps class in NAGT first leg

RELUCTANT standout Mervin Santiago easily topped the first leg of the 2015 National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series on Dungaree Beach in Subic recently.

The 22-year-old Santiago conquered the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run event in two hours, 17 minutes and 34 seconds, posting the best time for the third straight year while also ruling the male 18-24 age bracket.

“I wasn’t supposed to compete because I thought it was too early in the year,” Santiago said in Filipino. “But when I learned that this is a qualifying event for the PNG (Philippine National Games), I changed my plans.”

Santiago banked on his strength in the bike and run stages to finish six minutes clear of runner-up Jethro Karl Ramos (2:23:40). Ramos also ruled the 30-34 age bracket.

British expatriate Joanne Plumbley topped all comers in the women’s race while also bagging the 35-39 crown with a 2:42:12 clocking.

The national Para-triathlon team of Andy Avellana, Godfrey Taberna and Raul Angoluan likewise beat abled racers in the relay event with a total time of 2:24:36.

Over 250 racers competed in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Jasmine W. Payo

Other winners: Men’s division—Oscar Miguel Mapalo (25-29), Rhoderick Guieb (35-39), Abe Tayag (40-44), RJ Lorenzo (45-49), Frank Lacson (50-54) and Philip Rynn (55 and above); Women—Kriska Sto. Domingo (25-29), Noelle Frances De Guzman (30-34) and Irene Bartolome (40 and above); Sprint distance and mini-sprint distance medalists: Alfiero Manzanilla and Gloryen Limbo (16-19), Paul David Nevelos and Nhea Ann Barcena (20-and-over class), Brent Valelo and Lauren Plaza (13-15) and Anne Deldio (16-19).