Echavez, Ocampo rule open water swim Saavedra tops duathlon event of Bantayan Beach games

CEBU, Philippines - Loren Dale Echavez and Keith Ocampo topped the open water swim of the 2012 Bantayan Beach Games the other day at Sugar Beach Resort in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island.

Echavez finished the 5-kilometer swim in 45 minutes and 23.41 seconds, way ahead of second placer Rozelle Marie Diaz, who clocked in 55:11.6. Apriel Goden finished third with the time of 57:33.3.

In the men's division, Ocampo overpowered early favorite Jess Arriola. Ocampo completed the grueling race in 42 minutes and 20.2 seconds. Arriola posted the time of 43:12.52, while Paul Jumamil came in third with a 46:10.84 clocking.

In the other age- brackets, Cynthjune Goden ruled the 13-14 class with the time of 46:22.59, Joel Peconcillo lorded it over in the 20-29 division with the time of 1:00:34.68, while Loveleinell Casidsid reigned supreme in the 30-39 category with the time of 1:04:07.09.

In the 1.5K swim, Michael Sasedor took the top honors in eight minutes and 56 seconds. The next two sports were occupied by Junn Ramon Alfonso Pacheco (39:05.3) and Maynard Sasedor (45:23.4).

In the 14-kilometer individual time trial competition, Jung Cases emerged as the fastest in 21:16.29 followed by Kiko Lim (23:47.64) and Raldy Vios (23:58.23).

Over at Nature’s Park and Resort, Welmar Saavedra dominated the duathlon event in one hour, five minutes and 38 seconds. Saavedra was trailed by Jun Endrina (1:15.51) and Wendell Tac-al (1:15.6).

Casidsid was unopposed in the distaff side. She finished the race in two hours and 16.25 seconds.           

Andre Pachero topped the 19-under class, Jun Endrina in the 20-29 and Carlo Dale Pacana in the 30-39 division.

Kids also had a good time in this run-bike-run event with Junn Pacheco coming out on top in the boys division with the time of 8:47.29. Desiree Villadolid ruled the girls category with the time of 36:30.06.— (FREEMAN)