MANILA, Philippines - With his stature as the country’s top male duathlete being challenged, Robeno Javier leaned on his spirited performance down the stretch to claim the 2014 Active Health Duathlon elite crown yesterday at the Sandbox, Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.
The 29-year-old Javier gave his all in the final run leg to prevent an uspet by ULAH’s bet Benjamin Rana for his second title after topping the inaugural race in 2012. He won the 6K run-60K bike-4K run in 2 hours, 15 minutes, 37 seconds.
“Andito na sa bike ang lahat ng hirap dahil sa last 10k ay puro ahon na at wala ng lusong kaya nag-fourth lang ako. Pero sinabi ko sa sarili ko na dapat bumawi ako sa run kaya kahit ubos na rin ay nagpilit ako at inabutan ko si Rana sa huling kilometro hanggang sa nakauna ako,” said Javier.
Rana fell short by just 12 seconds (2:15:49) as he lost steam going into the 4-kilometer run leg after delivering a strong performance in the bike leg of the event supported by Unilab Active Health, Aboitiz, Active Health Sports Gel, Alviera, Enervon Activ, Enervon HP, AboitizPower, Roar Sports Drink, Timex, Orbea, Maxxis, Saucony, Shimano, Crystal Clear, Men’s Health magazine, Women’s Health magazine and The Philippine Star.
Meanwhile Robinson Esteves settled for third place in 2:16:11.
Sharing top honors in this race organized by Bike King headed by Raul Cuevas and presented by Unilab Active Health was Mirasol Abad, who fully recovered from a case of vertigo last March with a wire-to-wire victory in the distaff side.
The defending champion submitted 2:35:57 and was more than six minutes ahead of Miscelle Gilbuena (2:42:52) while Rowena Valdez took third (2:49:16).
Javier and Abad took home the P10,000 cash prize. Second placers won P6,000.00 and third P4,000.
Other duathletes competed in the different age groups with Mervin Santiago (18-24) Christopher Iblan (25-29), Kiko Abante (30-34), Edison Morales (35-39), Edward luna (40-44), John Thomas Gonzales (45-49), Doddie Dino Jr. (50-54) and. Female champions were Mary Pauline Fornea (18-24), Chloe Ong (25-29), Maris Balatibat (30-34), Annaliza Maraan (35-39), Janet Ching (40-44) and Tina Reyes (45 above).
A total of 800 duathletes joined the event.