SIPALAY CITY - The National Age-Group Triathlon competition brought hundreds of tourists to this city over the weekend, underscoring the potential of the area as the next tourist destination in the country.

Triathlon athletes completed their swim, bike, and run tasks along the scenic coastal area and the well-paved roads surrounding the city, with the finishers commending the organizers for holding the event in Sipalay.

Making his home city proud by topping one of the main events was John Ronnel Uy, an incoming college freshman, who won the male sprint competition with a time of 14:57 in swimming, 37:19 in biking, and 23:24.

Sixteen-year-old Uy, who recently graduated with a distinction in sports from Trinity Christian School, said he was happy to represent Sipalay, the hometown of his mom, in the race.

A NOPSSCEA athletics’ campaigner, Uy was the champion in the 13-15 age group in Subic Triathlon early this year and a member of the national triathlon developmental team.

Placing second in the male sprint event was Edgardo Galera Jr. with a time of 18:59 (swim), 46:35 (bike), and 31.54 (run), while Dadsie Coscolluela finished at third place with his time of 15:46 (swim), 49:10 (bike), and 32.36 (run).

The female sprint competition was won by Noelle Christine Lim, who registered 21:42; 46:56; and 32:39 in the three disciplines, while Bacoleña Georgette Sanchez placed second with her time of 16:40, 50:34, and 35:28; and Michelle Benedicto at third place with 21:19; 46:43; and 36:30.

In the side event for kids, Matti Campos won the boys’ 6 and Under category with Roberto Sergio Ramiro Tan placing second.

His brother Mari Campos won in the 7-8 category with Lorenzo and Ramon Feria finishing second and third.

Javi Campos , Paulo Antonio Yusay, and Santi Campos were the top three winners in the boys’ 11-12; while Georgina Francesca Carmina Tan topped the girls’ 6 and under.

Other winners in the kids event were: Jose Fermin Bonnie and Jaime Roberto Roberto Bonnin, first and second in the boys’ 13-15; Maia Isabel Simone in girls’ 13-15; David Karlo Equipaje (1st) and Emil Lizares (2nd) in boys’ mini sprint; and Yona Danielli Academia (1st), Ma. Gisella Janine Tan (2nd), and Sheena Marie Asparin (3rd) in girls’mini sprint.

The race was witnessed by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. who expressed his hopes that the organizers will make it as a regular annual event in Sipalay.

The governor said the city has a first class natural coastline that is much better than the one in CamSur. With plans of developing the area by installing international facilities, Marañon said he is expecting more participants in next year’s triathlon event in Sipalay.

Marañon also noted that triathlon is a “family event” as parents and even grandparents were there cheering their children and grandchildren, spouses and friends who were joining the competition.

He said the event is another testimony that the province’s sports tourism program is doing well.*NAB

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