Timex athletes dominate Ironman 70.3

MANILA, Philippines - In an athlete’s exhausting preparation for every challenge that arrives in the track of his sporting career, attaining the right condition, draining unwanted elements, and undergoing extreme physical training are part of the routine. Once all fired up, what readies him to conquer the unknown is that tap in the back he gets from comrades.

This is what Timex, world-renowned makers of high-quality time gears, gives as it continually defines what a dependable partner means. Timex stood by premier Filipino triathletes who vied in Ironman 70.3 Philippines, the first-ever Ironman event in the country, held on Aug. 23 in Camsur. Aside from the superior, stylish and functional Timex Ironman watches it offered, Timex boosted and backed them up in this ultimate conquest to rise victorious above the strenuous pursuit and to fulfill the dreams of champions.

One of the many power athletes who realized their ambitions is seven-time RP Team member Celnan “Noy” Jopson, the 2009 Ironman 70.3 Philippines top Pinoy finisher with a staggering time of 4:38:32, bagging first place in the Filipino Elite Category. Though he had a slow start placing only third in the swimming event, the 32-year-old Cebu-based triathlete and a proud Timex Ironman triathlete bounced back and dramatically snatched the lead in the cycling event, then won in the exhausting race.

Noy humbly dedicates his victory to his family and the people who have always believed in him. “I am so grateful that my family was there to see me take that victory. I am very happy. It is historical, being the very first official Ironman event in the country. Nobody can take that away from me,” said Noy.

Timex Runrio Team, composed of 2008 UAAP Rookie of the Year Timothy Yap, 2009 Tour of Luzon Rookie of the Year Julius Bonzo, and champion runner Rio dela Cruz placed first in the Relay All Men Category as they all worked hard in their respective legs: swimming, cycling and running.

Though well-known in the running community, nothing can be sweeter in this triumph for Rio dela Cruz, a first-timer in triathlon. Also a marathon organizer, Rio is coaches sprinters in the UP Track Team, David’s Salon Team, and celebrities.

Just behind the fastest Pinoy trio was Timex TMM Team made up of swimmer July Cagungun, cyclist Santi Barnachea and runner Jon Lozada, who placed second in the Relay All Men Category.

Another Timex TMM team bagged the first place in the Relay All Women Category. The team was composed of Janice Ann Tanada for swimming, Joni Lopez for cycling, and Mercy Go for running. Placing third in the same category was the Timex Women’s Health Team composed of Women’s Health magazine associate publisher Christine Ong, editor in chief Lara Parpan, and Polo Tri Team’s Debbie Yabut. Also carrying the women’s flag proud and high was athlete-fashionista and Timex ambassador Tessa Prieto-Valdes, placing third in the 45-49 Female Age group of the triathlon event.

As these triathletes once again set out to realize athletic ambitions in the future, Timex will continue to support them and other extreme sportsmen who boldly test their limits.