New faces emerged in both the standard and sprint distances races in yesterday’s Triathlon Association of the Philippines-organized 1st Philippine Aquathlon Championships at Camayan Beach Resort inside the Subic Freeport Zone that attracted 164 entries.
Track runner and Iligan native Leyann Ramo lost ground in the 1K swim leg after keeping pace with Vicky Deldio in the first 2.5 K run, but regained it in the final run leg.
He unleashed a final burst near the finish to become the country’s first female national aquathlon champion, clocking 41 minutes and 17 seconds. Deldio, unable to conquer the strong currents, finished second in 43:49.
Third placer was Marga de los Reyes, left by Deldio in the first uphill climb in the final run. De los Reyes finished the distance in 46:15.
“Wala akong expectations here except to finish; mahina kasi ako sa run. Mabuti na-maintain ko yung lead after nung swim,” said Ramo.
