Duenas, Bitbit shine in Bohol duathlon

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano athletes Philip Duenas and Marites Bitbit stole the limelight of the Highland Races II-Rebel Trails Duathlon yesterday at the Danao Adventure Park in Danao, Bohol.

Duenas’ way up, however, was not easy as he was dealing not only with tough opponents, but also with the course itself that was designed for hardcore duathletes.

Elmo Clarrabal was actually leading the race until he was caught up by Duenas in the last five kilometers of the final phase of the 10K run, 30K bike and 10K run race.

It was Duenas’ first duathlon title that made his victory extra special.

For her part, Bitbit, a long-time member of the national mountainbike team, reigned supreme in the women’s elite class.

Bitbit’s superior skills in pedal-pushing earned her a convincing victory.

Unfortunately for Rochelle Tan, the reigning triathlon queen of Cebu sprained her right ankle and did not finish the race.

Tan was forced to stop while crossing a river in the first 10K action when she felt that something’s wrong after she slipped off the muddy road.

Tan's dad Tyrone, however, completed the race to win the men’s 40-44 age group. - THE FREEMAN