All-Aussie show in Safeguard triathlon

The best of Australian triathlon came to the fore Sunday in Dauis and Panglao in Bohol as the seasoned racers from Down Under dominated the Safeguard for Men 5i50 Triathlon.

Sam Betten and Dimity-Lee Duke proved more than equal to the exacting conditions by ruling their respective divisions in the prestigious race.

Betten spearheaded the Aussies’ show of force in the men’s division, clocking two hours, one minute and three seconds in the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run to beat compatriot Michael Murphy, who checked in more than two minutes later at 2:03:48.

Justin Granger completed the all-Aussie show after crossing the line in 2:12:38 in the event sponsored by Safeguard and organized by Sunrise Events.

“I trained better for the race,” said Betten, who secured his second race victory following his triumph in the Regent 5i50 in Subic early this year.

“It was such a hot and tough race. The last three kilometers was the hardest because of the weather. But I just kept my focus,” added Betten, who placed second in the Elite division of the Cobra Iron Man 70.3 race last year.

Duke shrugged off a sluggish start in the swim leg, pulling away late to finish with a 2:13:30 clocking for top honors in the women’s division.
Belinda Granger made it a 1-2 finish for Aussies with a time of 2:19:47.

Monica Torres averted a shutout for Filipinos with a time of 2:26:26 for third spot in the event backed by 2GO Express, The Bellevue Resort, the Municipalities of Panglao and Dauis, Powerade, Wilkins Pure, Prudential Guarantee, Newton Running, TYR, Garmin, Rudy Project, David’s Salon, Intercare, Alaska, Shotz Nutrition, Smart and Bohol Bee Farm.