Triathletes rocked it to 'em in the rain

MANILA, Philippines - A new wave of Rockstar Triathletes emerged from the stormy conditions of Typhoon Quiel on Oct. 1 when 153 athletes faced the starting gun of the eighth Annual White Rock Long Distance Triathlon.

Despite signal 1 typhoon conditions, the waters of Subic Bay were calm, and the event started on time at 6:45 a.m. Athletes completed at 2 km swim, a 91km out and back bike leg through Zambales, and a 20 km run into SBMA and back to the host White Rock Beach Resort.

The swim though mostly calm, did challenge the athletes with strong currents, and not all swimmers were able to meet the 90- minute cutoff. Of those who could complete the swim in 90 minutes, all chose to and were allowed to continue onto the bike and run legs of the course. To place as an official finisher, athletes were required to complete the course in 8 hours or less.

A stiff and gusty headwind met athletes on the out leg through Zambales, but gave an easy and fast return back to White Rock. Road conditions required caution that despite the heroic efforts of the Zambales locals to clean the course, there were debris on the road, and some athletes did experience flat tires.

The run was memorable, with increasing rain as the day wore on. Overheating was not a problem, and athletes enjoyed the cooler (though wetter) conditions of the course.

The weather did not dampen the spirits of the athletes, with the first male finisher Jonard Saim of Zamba Tri Team posting a home advantage and completing the course in a blistering 4:46:35. He was followed closely by George Vilog of Century Tuna-Trihard with a time of 4:48:31 and Franklin Peñalosa of Timex-TMM who crossed in just 4:54:48.

First female to finish was repeat participant Doray Ellis of Fitness First Tri Team with a time of 5:55:37 followed by Tricia Chiongbian Concepcion of Polo Tri Team in 6:04:01 and Anne Catherine Hernandez, also of Team Fitness First in 6:33:10.

Special mention also goes to Trimac’s Jojo Macalintal who completed his White Rock Triathlon with a time of 5:36:58 and also a third place in his age category. This is a man who loves to ROCK! The oldest finisher Nicanor Nicdao, at a very fit 71 and with a respectable time of 8:16:00, setting an example for all the younger athletes and showing how it should be done.

The weather deteriorated as the day progressed, giving way to torrential rains. Athletes finishing by 1 p.m. and later joked about the swim, bike, run, swim conditions that prevailed as Signal No. 3 was hoisted, while staff from the organizing Extribe Inc. held down the tents and finish arch against the gusting winds, and welcomed the finishers as they crossed the finish line.

A record of 140 athletes finally completed the course, in the most memorable White Rock Long Distance Triathlon.

The organizers had good words for the finisher: “Congratulations to the Athletes! YOU ROCK!”

The event was held in partnership with White Rock Beach Resort & Water Park, Province of Zambales, City of Olongapo and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and supported by Powerade, Wicked Active Gear, David’s Salon, Blue Cross, Speedo, Kameraworld, Total Fitness Magazine, Fitness First, Paragon Printing, Mister Cool Misting Fans, New Balance and Chris Sports.