Vilog returns to claim lost glory in triathlon

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga – Back in harness.

Inactive for two years, George Vilog showed why he was a former three-time national champion, beating fancied Fil-Am Arland Macasieb yesterday to rule the 2007 National Triathlon Championship at the Clearwater Country Club grounds here.

The 30-year-old Army man from Davao dictated the pace early by coming in first in swimming, slowed down a bit in the biking competition before pouring it all out in the running event to overtake Macasieb by almost a minute. He clocked his personal best of two hours, one minute and 53 seconds.

"I just stuck with him after he has overtaken me in the bike and I’m glad I have enough energy left to beat him in the running part to win this. I’m just happy right now," said Vilog in Filipino.

Macasieb, who dominated the event during who is taking up graduate studies in Physics at the University of the Philippines.

"At the end of the day, it was an enjoyable race for me and it was just a pleasant bonus that I won," added the former 2005 Manila SEAG silver medal winner and a 14th placer in Doha .

Joash Serrano (1:05.22) and Kim Mangrobang (1:17.27) topped the age group division. Vilog’s absence, suffered cramps and finished second (2:02.49). Mark Peter Candelaria was third (2:04.29) in this event sponsored by Speedo, David’s Salon, Asian Centre for Insulation, Philippine Sports Commission, Gatorade and Fitness First.

Sandra Araullo had a relatively easy time in ruling the distaff side as she timed 2:18.34, way ahead of teener Mimi Lucas’ 2:26.30 and Lea Coline Langit’s 2:36.11.

Araullo, 25, however, said she hasn’t even prepared that well for the tournament.

"I didn’t pressure myself that much, I just ran my own race," said Araullo. who is taking up graduate studies in Physics at the University of the Philippines.

"At the end of the day, it was an enjoyable race for me and it was just a pleasant bonus that I won," added the former 2005 Manila SEAG silver medal winner and a 14th placer in Doha .

Joash Serrano (1:05.22) and Kim Mangrobang (1:17.27) topped the age group division.