CAPAS, Tarlac — Twins Juan Miguel and Jose Maria Tag ruled the boys’ 11 to 14 category as expected in the first-ever Triathlon at New Clark City on Saturday.
Juan Miguel was first to cross the finish line in 36:23, two minutes ahead of Jose Maria (38:13) after the 300k-swim, 10k-bike and 2k run. Leonardo Tyrone Macalos came in third (39:31).
Although they expected to win the race after rigorous preparation, the winning feeling is always a high for the twins.
“We’re grateful and happy,” shared Juan Miguel, who felt motivated to win the race because he was with his brother.
“Everyday po nagte-training kami ng swimming [after school], minsan po Saturday biking and Sunday running,” shared Jose Maria.
In the girls’ 11 to 14 category, Jillian Aubrey Aguado came in first after clocking 41:40. Princess Jullianne Patilan came in a close second in 41:47 and Ma. Unica Yzabel Bayarong was third in 43:50.
Meanwhile, nine-year old Shem Edward topped the 8 to 10 boys’ category with a time of 30:09,
“I didn’t expect to win the race because I know there are a lot of good cyclists, runners and bikers. That’s why I didn’t expect to finish first,“ he said.
“But I’m good at swimming, so I pulled away early,” shared the third grade varsity player of Montessori Integrated School in Antipolo.
It was close contest between Joseph Mitchell Real (33:08) and Remsem Balog-asan Cayowet (33:09), who came in at second and third place, respectively.
First-timer Samantha Sage Gualdad clocked 34:21 to dominate the 8 to 10 girls’ category. Yanxiel Zoe Ambat was second (36:40) and Meilhy Lindsay de Mesa third (45:34).
“Hindi ko po expected na mananalo kasi first-time ko lang po sumali pero nakuha ko po ‘yung gold. Masayang-masaya po ako.” said Gualdad, 9.
“Ilang months pa lang po akong nag-prepare mag-triathlon, tapos ilang months pa lang po ako natuto mag-bike,” she added.