MANILA, Philippines - Former national team mainstay Neil Catiil flashed top form as he dominated the Dapitan leg of the Century Tuna National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Sur recently.
Catiil completed the 1km swim-30km bike-7.5km run event in two hours and 33 minutes to claim line honors and win the male 18-29 age-group crown.
Ralph Martin came in second in 2:51:31 while Fidel Ovas took third place with a 2:54:52 clocking.
Candy Lu of Cagayan de Oro turned in a 4:08:14 clocking to cop the female 30-over title in the event sponsored by Century Tuna, Standard Insurance, Gatorade, Philippine Sports Commission, ARENA and Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines Inc.
Ylang Ylang Jordan, winner of the 29-below crown, finished second in 4:23:35 while Caroline Iris timed 4:52:20 for third.
In the sprint distance side event, Mary Pauline Fornea, 17, outclassed her older rivals with a time of 1:34:29 while Dexter Araquel had an easy victory with 2:05:23.
Other winners were Paulo Ouano (30 to 34), Gregie Pamakid (35 to 39), Simon Flores (40 to 44), Junki Flores (45 to 49), and Powerhouse Gym Dapitan in the team relay.
Gracing the awards rites were former Zamboanga Del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, Rep. Bullet Jalosjos and Dapitan City Vice Mayor Jing Chan.
‘We are happy that Dapitan has been given the opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of Dakak and our hosting is part of our on-going sports tourism promotion program for Dapitan and Zamboanga del Sur,” said the elder Jalosjos.
For his part, TRAP president Tom Carrasco said he will continue with local government units in promoting destinations all over the country.
“We are sure that the triathletes who joined this Dapitan leg all had a good time enjoying Dakak,” he said.