Mervin Rencel Santiago ended two years of futility by topping the overall men’s title in the Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon held yesterday at the Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club (ACBNC) in Bataan.
Santiago negotiated the 1.5 Km swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run course in 2 hours, 33 minutes and 19 seconds to beat out Rene Tayag (2:43:4) and Benjie Zapanta (2:46:29) for the title.
Relying on her superb swim show, Danielle Ifantado topped the distaff side of the event backed by Ayala Land Premier, Globe Telecom, MHECO, Folded & Hung, A.C. Lazaga, Veda Spa, Island Fantasy, Gatorade, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Glyptic Art Enterprise, Globalinens Worldwide, Inc., Powel Chem, Royal Duty Free, Bio-Diesel, Vantage Point Photography, Universal Towel, Olongapo Gas, and Kaakbay sa Kinabukasan Cooperative.
She was followed far behind by Ines Santiago with 3:21:07 and Nylah Bautista who clocked 3:43:36.
Nica Deldio, who graduated from the SuperTriKids (STK) class, made her debut on the Sprint Distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) memorable finishing first place in 1:32:36 followed by Andrea Villanueva with 1:39:58 and Miki Terada with 1:59:11. The Sprint Distance male crown was won by Carlos Selubo followed by Austine Morfe and Paolo Vispo.