Monday, May 4, 2009
Camaya Coast Aquathlon Challenge
The 3rd Leg of the SPEEDO Aquathlon Series 2009, the Camaya Coast Aquathlon Challenge held last Sat, May 2, at Camaya Coast , Mariveles, Bataan was a success and a great time for all who went.
Nikko Huelgas, a varsity swimmer at DLSU, won the Aquathlon coming from behind, overtaking Pol Reyes on the swim and hanging on in the 2 nd run leg. In so doing, Nikko has swept all 3 legs of the SPEEDO AS2009. Tony Welsh of PoloTri, took 3 rd for his 2 nd podium finish in the series, this after having run 50km the day before the race. By the way, Nikko is in the market for a reasonably priced bike so he can do triathlons.
JC Pineda, the Secretary General of the Philippine Skyrunners Association, took top honors in the women's race, beating out PSA President, Nina Dacanay. Janice Tañada finished 3rd .
In the 10k Trail Run, Sid Vildosola, overwhelmed the field in the Men's race. He was followed by Tommy Tan and Bert Camangonan. Top women were: Joan Pallones, Jihan Osorio, and Cathy Daza.
Camaya Coast, a 1 st class resort development, laid out the red carpet for all the participants and aside from the racing there was good food, free massages and henna tattoos, and access to the natural amenities of Camaya Coast- the trails, beach, woods, stream, fruit trees, kayaking,etc.
Gene Reyes, VP of Camaya Coast, was on hand to welcome the participants and awarded medals & prizes to the winners. Goody Ilagan, Camaya Coast President, later joined the group for merienda and hinted that Camaya would like to host a similar event next year.
The aptly named Camaya Coast Aquathlon Challenge (3.5k run, 1.5k swim, 3.5 run) was the first long distance triathlon ever held in the Philippines and the varied terrain, the beach rune and mountain trail plus the open water swim, indeed made for a very challenging but interesting course.