CAMARINES SUR – In-form Kim Mangrobang and comebacking Edward Macalalad showcased their strength and determination in the bike and run legs, emerging as the overall champions in their respective divisions in the 5150 CamSur here yesterday.
Mangrobang took control during the bike event after placing second to Erika Burgos in the opening swim stage then sustained her pace in the run to cruise to victory in 2:22:35 over the Olympic-distance course of 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run race that marked the triathlon’s return to its original race destination.
The Santa Rosa, Laguna native expressed happiness at returning to CamSur, drawing inspiration from the nostalgic atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd support.
“Happy ako kasi nakapag-race na naman ako dito sa CamSur. I did the 70.3 last 2011 and I think I was the youngest at that time. Ngayon bumalik ako dito, same pa rin yung mga tao, yung mga nag-chi-cheer. Sobrang supportive ng mga taga CamSur,” said the 32-year-old Mangrobang, who turned in leg times of 0:01:18 (swim), 1:12:02 (bike) and 45:27 (run) to claim the women’s crown.
Burgos set the pace in the swim but faced challenges in the bike segment before mounting a comeback in the run, securing second place in 2:26:33, while Bea Quiambao placed third with a 2:29:28 clocking.
French Amandine Fetaud and Anne Nuñez took the next two spots in 2:41:47 and 2:44.32, respectively.
In the men’s division, Macalalad, 27, took the lead in the bike leg and maintained his performance in the run, claiming the title with a time of 2:08:38 over John Ciron (2:10:36) and Mark Hosana (2:11:27).
Irienold Reig, Jr. and Aidanreed Mercado clocked 2:13:11 and 2:15:56 to place fourth and fifth, respectively, in the event organized by The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc., hosted by the Province of Camarines Sur and supported by Go for Gold, 2Go, Rudy Project, Sante Barley, Ilaw Atbp., Manila Bulletin, Tempo and Sportograf.
Meanwhile, Burgos bested Quiambao for the 20-24 title while Nuñez bagged the 25-29 diadem, Christine Pascual topped the 35-39 class (2:56:43), Fetaud ruled the 40-44 division, Rena Marte won the 45-49 crown (3:21:21) and Leoniza Gusilatar reigned in 50-54 (3:36:31).
Macalalad, who won a 5150 race in Subic in 2019, also captured the 25-29 title with leg clocking of 0:21:46, 1:02:31 and 0:41:39, while John Bufete took the 15-19 plum (2:23:43), Reig copped the 20-24 title, Hosana won the 30-34 diadem, Renel Brecino pocketed the 35-39 crown (2:20:46), Emmanuel Capisanan claimed the 40-44 trophy (2:33:35), Haythem El-Ansary bested the field in 45-49 class (2:19:35), Levy Ang took the 50-54 title (2:48:24), Dante Macalintal ruled the 55-59 class (2:48:04) and Bobby Lamod topped the 65-69 class (3:42:33) .
