TEENAGERS Richard Anson Navo and Erika Nicole Burgos led all competitors in their respective categories in the 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri yesterday at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.
Navo negotiated the 600m swim, 20K bike and 5k run event in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 46 seconds to clinch the Male 15-17 title. Fellow age-group competitors Adrian Thomas Dionisio and Lorenzo Joaquin Solda finished second and third in 1:09:46 and 1:10:45, respectively.
Among the ladies in the event supported by MediCard Philippines, Standard Insurance, Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, hotels Fontana and Royce Hotel & Casino, Burgos topped the Female 15-17 category in 1:24:26, followed by 18-24 champion Franchesca Ezzabella Joves in 1:26:49 and 25-29 champion Kath Lagusnad in 1:27:44.
“The race was pretty good as several participants, including people I personally know, became triathletes for the first time. Aside from seeing the participants enjoy the race to stay healthy, it was inspiring also to see participants aged fifty and older finish the race with strong determination,” said MediCard president Dr. Nicky S. Montoya.
Among the highlights of the race was the successful finish of 78-year-old first time participant Ruben Del Rosario, who was greeted by his family and grandchildren near the finish line.
“It was challenging but I kept persevering as I focused on completing this event which was my main goal. This is an achievement that I will always treasure. I am very inspired right now,” said Del Rosario, a lawyer.
