In addition to the local athletes, The 1st Medellin Fiesta Triathlon and Duathlon was flocked by athletes from Bacolod, Tacloban, and Camotes. It was participated by 30 triathletes and 19 duathletes and manned by the local officials and volunteers of Medellin. Medellin’s event organizer, a triathlon enthusiast himself, Job Cereño joined the triathlon as well. The strong rain delayed the race but not for long; it was then blessed by the sun’s heat throughout the race.
The swim started off at a pier five hundred meters away from the transition area. The starting gun started the swimmers and headed to a triangular loop swim (500m). The Island Sportscapade triathlon champion, Noel Salvador of Bacolod, went off first followed back to back with his rival Gerrie Calinawan, and Nonoy Jopson. The five-loop, spectator friendly bike leg(20km) and the one-loop run leg(5km) was a battle between the three. Finishing as champion once again is Noel Salvador clocking 1:15:05, followed by Gerrie Calinawan, 1:15:52; and Nonoy Jopson, 1:16:50 for the Men’s open category. Gerrie Calinawan and Nonoy Jopson said that this is one of their training plans for the 70.3 Ironman Philippines in Camarines Sur this August 23, 2009. Women’s open, first placer was taken by Island Sportscapde triathlon champion, Lohriz Echavez clocking at 1:35:07. Seniors 20 category: 1. Elmo Claraval, 1:20:05; 2. Ralph Arche, 1:22:22; 3. Jose Uy 1:30:54 Seniors 30: 1. Warren Vergara, 1:23:59; 2. Eugene Sanchez, 1:30:12; 3. Lyndon Dongallo, 1:42:00 Masters: 1. Ric Dizon, 1:36:40; 2. Jun Villamor, 1:38:27; 3. Jose Lagatic, 1:45:52 Mountain Bike: 1. Rico Valentin, 1:31:29; 2. Jenerry Simbahon, 1:34:46; 3. Perlito Colegado, 1:37:50 Medellin’s local open category champion was taken by Job Cereño and the Aided division by Dexter Diola.
The Duathlon started at 4:00PM and used similar bike and run route as the triathlon. Several participants from the triathlon joined this event. They still have enough fuel in their tank to finish the race and the top 3 duathlon finishers proved that right. Coming in as champion is Noel Salvador at 1:06:00, followed by Elmo Claraval, 1:16:39; and Nonoy Jopson 1:17:17. Women’s open category: 1. Janice Bautista, 1:33:39; 2. Nicole Palicte, 1:40:45. Executive division: 1. Daniel Arcipe, 2. Jose Logatic, Alejandro Geyrozaga. Job Cereno said, Medellin will host another fiesta triathlon and duathlon next year as a bigger event with more categories. This event is organized by the Municipal Mayor of Medellin, Hon. Mayor Ricky Ramirez and is backed by Petron, Danao Sports Commission, Alpine Ice Plant, Sugbu Triathlon with special thanks to Giles Villamor and Francisco Arche Jr.