TWO-TIME Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas and Erika Nicole Burgos dominated the Vermosa Aquathlon 1 held recently at the world-class Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus City, Cavite.
Huelgas finished the 500M swim and 5K run course in 25 minutes and 54 seconds, easily ruling the Male 25-29 age-group class. The next two fastest male entries were from the 18-24 class, namely, Juan Francisco Baniqued and Inaki Lorbes who clocked 27:00 and 27:17, respectively.
Burgos dominated the women’s class in 30:33, emerging as the 18-24 champion, while Olivia Kwon finished second in 33:35 to rule the 15-17 class. Bea Marie Quiambao registered the third fastest time of 34:30 in finishing second in the 18-24 class in the event presented by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Standard Insurance, Apollo Petroleum Jelly, Alviera, LeGarde L-Carnitine, Smart, and Garmin.
The relay champions were Team AA (All-Female) composed of Mikaela Arroyo and Boo Pascual, Team Good Boiz (All-Male) composed of Hjalmar Pasaylo and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda, and Team GG (Mixed) composed of Gabriella Venturina and Mark Garin.
“Despite what has been going on around us, we are very happy with the huge turnout of participants as well as Bike King’s decision to push through with this first race we hosted this year. We are looking forward to hosting this June’s triathlon event and two more aquathlon events in the months to come,” said Vermosa operations manager Andrea Intalan.
The top 20 finishers in the standard distance contest (individual category) earned points for the simultaneous Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Series and the Sun Life Aquathlon Series. The Top Aquathlete per age group will be declared later this year.
