Santiago, Plumbley rule NAGT in Subic

MANILA, Philippines - For the third straight year, Mervin Santiago ruled the male division even as England-born Joanne Plumbley dominated the female division in yesterday’s first leg of the 2015 National Age Group Triathlon Series at the Dungaree Beach inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Not to be outdone in this race organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines  in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority was the national Para-triathlon team, made up of Andy Avellana, Godfrey Taberna and Raul Angoluan, which topped the relay event against teams made up of able triathletes.

This year’s NAGT is unique as the TRAP decided to use the three-leg tournament also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. and Gatorade as a qualifying event for the 2016 Philippine National Games.

Banking on his strength in the biking and running, the 22-year old Santiago atoned for a slow start in the swim leg to negotiate the Olympic distance race (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) in two hours, 17 minutes, 34 seconds. He was five minutes faster than Jethro Karl Ramos who accounted for the second best time at 2:23:40. Both Santiago and Ramos took the gold medals in the male 18-24 and 30-34 age brackets.

Plumbley, who has resided in Manila the past year and works at David’s Salon, lead from start to finish to highlight her 2:42:12 time. She won the gold medal in the female 35-39 bracket and a fitting birthday gift to herself as Plumbley is turning 39 Thursday.

The tournament is also supported by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Camayan Beach Resoort, Ocean Advanture and The Lighthouse.