CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s Miro Habana and Christy Ann Perez shined the brightest after pulling off thrilling victories in the premier 13-15 age group of the RLC Residences Ironkids at The Reef Island Resort in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday.
The aquathlon race drew a nail-biting result across all categories, highlighting the intense competition among the 254 participants who embraced the 250-meter swim and two-kilometer run challenge.
Part of a triathlon-loving family, Habana displayed his racing prowess with a stellar run time of 7:59 after a 4:01 clocking in swim, narrowly edging out Kian Manabat with a final time of 12:01 to Manabat’s 12:07 to grab the boys crown.
David Mora came in third in 12:40.
“It was a fun race. It was my first gold medal in IronKids. I enjoyed it. I gave it my best!” said Habana of Team Lapu-Lapu TRIpulantes.
On the other hand, Perez showcased her top form by dominating the swim leg with a swift time of 4:12 before hanging tough in the run (9:17) to clinch the girls title with a time of 13:30.
Fritzie Surima rallied in the run part after a 4:32 clocking in swim, delivering the best time of 9:07 but ultimately settling for second in 13:14. Elizza Ecalla rounded out the top three in 14:12.
Other winners were Alaina Bouffaut and Zachary Angelo da Silva (11-12), Jashiva Earl Arsua and Hans Nathan Samputon (9-10) and Searafina Mira Redila and Liam Nathan Lauron (6-8), while Team D Deans and T Hydro Immersion Swimming Team posted a 1-2 finish in relay 11-15 division. — (FREEMAN)