Lopez, Biagan Top at the First Oslob Triathlon Race

Abet Biagan and Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez, who were former members of the National Triathlon Team, took the title as champions in Oslob’s first-ever triathlon race, “Hunat Sugbo Triathlon” of Cebu Parklane International Hotel (CPIH) last October 6, 2013 in Oslob.

Biagan of Fish18 Sport, grabbed the top plum in Male Standard category when he conquered the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run to finish in two hours, fourteen minutes and twenty-five seconds (2:14:25) while Elmo Clarabal of Equicredit made it in second with 2:24:19 and Ralph Arche at the third place with his time of 2:25:00.

Lopez, on the other hand, reigned first in Female Standard category in two hours, forty-six minutes and sixteen seconds (2:46:16) and enjoyed two minutes and sixteen seconds lead over Nia Durano-Aldeguer who came in second at 2:48:32 and Parklane Tri Team’s Hannah Lou Galo at the third place with time 2:57:22.

“This is one of the most difficult swim in my years of competing in triathlons because of the big rocks caused by gigantic waves… that is why I really salute for those newbie because it is really difficult to manage,” said Lopez, who was also known as Cebu’s more accomplished swimmer.

In the open sprint race, another Parklane Tri Team’s Kristiane Lim ruled the Male Sprint category with the time of one hour, forty-two minutes and one second (1:42:01) over Yuan Chiongbian, who also finished second during Talisay Triathlon Race this year, with a time of 1:42:19, and Magic Stationary Prod’s Ralph Eduard So who clinched the third place at 1:42:41.

Meanwhile, Aaliyah Mataragnon of Magic Stationary Prod, 13-year-old, prevailed over 14-year-old Shaia Ruth Uy of Team Cebu, who has been Mataragnon’s tough co-triathlete, came in second at 1:55:14. Meanwhile Iloilo Multisports’ Christine Joy Guillergan clinched the third place at 2:08:06.

Unluckily, Justin Chongbian, who recently won gold medal in Singapore last week, collapsed after he managed to finish fourth in the men’s sprint distance.

The age-group top male finishers were Paul Jake Castillo (25-29), Franklin Echevarria (30-34), Allan Leith Ting (35-39), Cary Marlowe Remotigue (40-44), Richardo Paulo Yusay (45-49) and Jose Richardo Dizon (50 and above). The top female finishers are Natalie Joy Sy (18-29) and June-Marq Ocana (35-39).