Catiil, Gonzales top Unilab triathlon

MANILA, Philippines - Neil Catiil and Sandra Araullo-Gonzales displayed the form expected from them as they topped yesterday’s UNILAB Active Health TRI United disputed at the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel in Lian, Batangas.

Catiil and Gonzales, who bannered the country in the numerous international sprint distance triathon races, went unchallenged as they led from start to finish in this 2-K swim, 60-K bike and 15-K run distance race held in cooperation with MBRH and also supported by TIMEX, K-Swiss, Bike King and Pocari Sweat.

Catiil clocked three hours, 6 minutes, 49 seconds to beat former national coach George Vilog (3:15:18) and Celnan Jopson (3:17:15).

Former national tanker Guy Concepcion gave Catiil a good fight in the swim course but he was left behind in the first transition allowing the Cagayan De Oro native to slowly pull away.

As an added challenge, organizers set up the first transition some 600m away from the swim race course forcing triathletes to outsprint each other.

Araullo-Gonzales who won a pair of silver medals in the 2005 Philippine and 2007 Thailand SEA Games, came in at 3:41:12 to easily hurdle the challenges posted by Lorhiz Echaves (3:51:16) and Joyette Jopson (3:58:03).

The race, supported by the 3rd District of Bohol, Crystal Clear Water, Orbea Bicycle, Corratec Bicycles, Corima Racing Wheels, Knog, Aboitiz Power and Polar Insulated Bottles, drew 350 participants making the event the second biggest long distance triathlon race in the country.

Competitions were also held in the different age groups with Patrick Joson (3:32:30) topping the 30-34; Rayzon Galdonez (3:32:52) lording the 35-39; Peter Gonzales (3:26:34) winning the 40-44; Larry Ocampo (3:49:26) shaming rivals in the 45-49 and Ed Francisco (4:04:35) claiming the 50 & over class.

Feliz Matilda Nepomuceno (4:30:01), Camilia Brooks (3:59:03), Mariella Martinez-Powell (4:15:55) emerged champions in the female 20-29, 30-39, 40 & over divisions.

Senator Pia Cayetano also competed and finished third in the 40& over with 4:31:06 time.

Powerhouse triathlon team Fitness First won over Polo Tri and Bike King in the team event while Integrated Montessori Center edged Team Coolmate and Second Wind Filinvest in the team relay competition.

The event actually kicks off the long distance triathlon races in the country and the top three finishers in all divisions received medals from the organizers.