Pregnant Triathlete Defends Crown in Tabuelan Triathlon

An eight-week pregnant Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez defended her crown, while Jorry Ycong won the men’s division in the 2015 Tabuelan Triathlon Sunday at the Maravilla Beach Resort in Tabuelan town in northwestern Cebu.

Lopez, who said this would be her last event, finished the 2-kilometer swim, 88-kilometer bike and 21-kilometer run in 5:59:03, more than 30 minutes ahead of her rivals in the 18-29 age group.

Marq Ocana got second place in 6:30:20 and Patricia Puentevella got third place in 6:37:44.

“I couldn’t push too hard to post a personal best because I kept on monitoring my heart rate during the entire race,” said Lopez, who did not expect to win as she was just aiming to finish her last race.

“Had it been too hot, I would have dropped out from the race. I feel good because I won even if I wasn’t racing at my usual pace,” Lopez said.

On the other hand, the 25-year-old Ycong, who is an assistant athletics coach of the University of San Carlos, won the men’s crown in 4:30:16, beating Emmanuel Commendador (4:35:18) and Ralph Arce (4:46:23).

Ycong got third place last year and was elated with his victory as he is preparing for a bigger event.

“This race is part of my preparation for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 and I will be joining the Filipino elite category,” said Ycong.

In the men’s 18-24 age group, donray Noval won the title in 5:34:30, beating Trixie Anthony Tura by 29 seconds, while John Paul Juson got third place in 5:31:24.

Guian Capacite got the men’s 25-29 title in 5:31:24 over Alexander Ray Diaz (5:33:12) and Daryl Din Depios (5:50:46).

Odeelo Dayondon won the men’s 30-34 age group in 5:11.36, while Kim Ireneo Manalo (5:36:33) and Kristian Cabahug (5:42:49) got the second and third spots.

Ramie Lawas also won the 35-39 age group in 5:14:30, beating Ryan Tumbagahan (5:27:35) and Jose Merdino Lim (5:28:45).

In the 40-44 age group, Ronald Parantar ran away with the title in 5:21:46, finishing six minutes ahead of Trino Rey Trasmonte and 10 minutes ahead of Romulo Rosell.

Leonardo Angeles Jr. got the 45-49 age group crown in 5:40:49 over John Mark Tamano (5:43:07).

The event also had the half-distance division and the winners were Justin Morgan Chua (18-29), Jeffrey Cola (30-39), Juen Dejila (40-49) and Allan Sacris (50-above).

The women’s half distance winners were Rashel Cabrera (18-29), Nia Aldeguer (30-39), and Mae Ann Mares (40-49).

Meanwhile, Tabuelan, Cebu Mayor Rex Gerona, who is also a triathlete, is hoping holding the event regularly will encourage locals to take part in the sport, which is considered the playground of the rich.

Tabuelan locals Francisco Alfornon, Ramil Moncada and John Pelayo won the local relay division in 2:19:48 and Gerona hopes more locals will join next year.

“We are very thankful to Mayor Gerona for letting the locals get invovled in this kind of event, which we used to think is only for the rich. It was a great experience,” said Alfornon, who is a fisherman.

His stint has inspired his kids Candigail and Julia to take up swimming, hoping to win an athletic scholarship.

“We are scouting for committed swimming coaches to train our aspiring swimmers and I hope to put up that program before the year ends,” said Gerona. (PNA) FPV/EB/MP/SSC