Pile leads winners in Super TriKids sports festival

MANILA, Philippines - Two years after breaking into the sport of triathlon, 14-year-old Mark Gregory Pile finally won a gold medal to lead winners in yesterday’s Century Tuna 2012 Super TriKids (STK) Multi Sports Festival at the Narra Park inside Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa.

Leaning on his strength in swimming and biking, Pile built a comfortable lead over his rivals en route to a solo finish in the male 13-15 STK category of the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with Ayala Alabang Village Association (AAVA) and sponsored by Century Tuna.

“I’m very happy because this is my first gold medal since joining the sport two years ago. The medal will further inspire me to improve on my performance for upcoming races,” said Pile, an incoming Ateneo sophomore, who recorded the best time at 26 minutes, 2.66 seconds.

Edward Vince Macalalad, 16, also booked his first victory. Multi-titled Nicole Danielle Eijansantos and Margarita Delos Reyes topped their division in the one-day event also supported by David Salon, Gatorade, Fitness First, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, Philippine Sports Commission and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines.

Standing at 5-9, Macalalad proved that his decision to leave basketball was right as he topped the men’s mini-sprint class (26:07.69) over 16-year old rival Javier Adrian Ocampo (28:33.42).

Eleven-year-old Eijansantos, who’s elder brother Kevin is now a member of the national team, showed her potential in winning the female 11-12 STK (17:44.65) while 12-year-old Delos Reyes dominated the female 13 to 15 (31:20.50).

“The STK Multi-Sports Festival is an integral part of TRAP’s grassroots program since the event provides triathletes, especially those aged 6 to 15 year old, to showcase their talents. Hopefully we will be able to identify new talents for the Phl team’s developmental pool.” said race director Rick Reyes.

Other STK winners: Chad Ethan Ching and Justicia Mariearl Tan (under-6); Inigo Miguel Arkoncel and Solveig Hartvigsen (7-8), Juris Aaron Earl Tan and Tara Borlain (9-10), Frederic Albert Chongian (male 11-12); Michelle Segundera (adult mini sprint) and Arrion Zachary Maranon and Bea Hufana (Adult Super Mini Sprint).

Aquathlon winners: Isabella Pascual (7-8), Samantha Borlain (9-10), Una Janus Sibayan (11-12) and Mikhaela Tablada (13-15) bagging gold medals in the girls; Tim Martin Sibayan (13-15) in the male and Erika Joy Natividad in the female adult.