Monday, May 29, 2006
Caluya, De Leon rule Palaui Aquathlon
JEROME CALUYA and Ani de Leon emerged winners in the recent Palaui Island Aquathlon Challenge in Cagayan.
Caluya, a 14-year-old junior high school at the St. Michael's College in Biñan, Laguna, made a slow start in the 2-kilometer trail run but overtook early leaders Leian Cruz and American Mark Houle in the 1-kilometer swim leg and never looked back from there in the final 3-kilometer run to claim the men's title in 47 minutes and 46 seconds.
"Nakakatakot yung uphill climb papuntang lighthouse, nakabawi ako sa swim leg at pag ahon namin, alam ko na kaya kong ipanalo yung karera," said Reluya who posted his first career victory.
Following Caluya at second and third places in the event sponsored by the provincial government of Cagayan, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and the municipality of Sta. Ana were Pol Reyes, who clocked 48:37, and Cruz who timed 49:42.
De Leon, still recovering from a knee cap injury, finished fourth overall in 49:49 to bag the women's title.
Claiming second place in the distaff side, incorporated as the second leg of the Speedo Aquathlon Series 2006, was Maris Balatibat at 58:57 while settling for third was International School teacher Jayne Polowski in 59:56.
"I really pushed myself in the race and when I got my momentum in the second loop of the first run leg, I knew I'd win it," said the 31-year-old de Leon, who represented the country in the last SEA Games's triathlon event in Subic.
Age group champions in the event also supported by Herbalife, Asian Centre for Insulation Phils., Metro Alliance Group, and jointly organized with the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, were Joseph Reluya, 15 & below, Miguel Ferido, 20-24, Joseph de Vera, 3034, Ed Ticzon, 35-39, Loi Rafols, 40-44, Ironman veteran Mark Houle, 45 to 49, and Chito Noel, 50 & above.
Patricia Baybayan was tops in the 15 & below, women's division, Mimi Opulencia took the 20 to 24 group, Pinky Pahud emerged champion in the 25 to 29, while Rolaine Pardola ruled the 40 to 44 group in the race that projected the natural and unspoiled beauty of Palaui Island.
Cagayan Governor Edgar Ramones Lara confirmed that as part of the provincial government's tourism development program, the Palaui Island Aquathlon race will be an annual sports tourism event of the region and seconded by CEZA Administrator Jose Mari Ponce.
Source: Manila Bulletin