MANILA, Philippines - During the recent K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT), former national standout John Abdul delivered a surprising finish among age-groupers to earn an Asian Cup triathlon race in the near future in accordance with race rules defining age-grouper qualifications.
Abdul, who did not register as an elite competitor in any race over the last 12 months, topped the crowded 35-39 age-group in Subic with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, 22 seconds to earn the age-group award as well as the all-expense paid triathlon trip to the ITU Hong Kong International Triathlon in October.
On the distaff side in the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, Traveler’s Hotel, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP) , Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, and Green Triathlon, Keshia Fule easily won the female 25-29 age-group in 2:29:41. Like Abdul, she has been awarded as age-group champion in her gender and will also be participating abroad.
Based on the rules, only non-pro, non-elite participants are qualified to win the age-grouper award and the Asian Cup triathlon trip. For this year, professionals and elite triathletes who engage in age-group competition are qualified for other age-group awards (examples: inter-club competition and Top 3 age-group).
Other age-group champions of the K-Swiss ITU SUBIT were Julia Timan (18-24), Chao Kit (18-19), Samir Hajazi (20-24), Kok Wai (male 25-29), Maris Balatibat and Chong Seak (30-34), Ani De Leon-Brown (female 35-39), Doray Ellis and Hiroshi Takei (40-44), Celma Hitalia and Mark Ellis (45-49), Elma Gabriana and Frank Lacson (50-54), Thomas Khune and Sandra Reid (55-59), and Kilhak Kunimoto (60-above). Team Sprint relay title went to Encore Multisport Team composed of Marie Balagtas, Alan Chris Muñoz and Rodolfo Felipe Merano who delivered the winning time of 1:25:08.