CAPAS, TARLAC – Over 300 athletes conquered the toughest duathlon to date at the New Clark City Duathlon 2023 on May 21. With a grueling 12-kilometer run, a challenging 50-kilometer hilly bike course, and a demanding 6-kilometer run, these athletes showcased incredible endurance and determination.
Elite athletes Rhia Stawicki and Franklin Yee left spectators in awe as they claimed victory in the exhilarating NCC long distance race.
Stawicki’s exceptional performance showcased her incredible endurance and determination as she blazed through the NCC long distance course. Her impressive time of 2:54:46 solidified her status as a standout athlete, leaving her competitors trailing behind. Raven Joy Valdez secured the second position, displaying exceptional endurance and an unyielding spirit with a time of 3:07:27. Meanwhile, Maureen Tabigla’s unwavering determination earned her the third spot, inspiring fellow athletes with a time of 3:31:10.
In the men’s division, Franklin Yee proved to be an unstoppable force as he surged toward the finish line, leaving his opponents in the dust. Yee’s outstanding performance resulted in a remarkable time of 2:22:08, showcasing his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. Jerick Angeles demonstrated relentless pursuit of excellence and a competitive spirit, securing the second spot with a time of 2:40:34. Azor Isaiah Tangalin established himself as a formidable contender, earning the third position with a time of 2:45:26, consistently displaying strong performance and an unwavering competitive drive.
Stawicki’s triumph in the women’s division showcased her exceptional abilities, while Yee’s victory in the men’s division established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Yee, a first timer in New Clark City, embraced the unexpected trials of the race with open arms. He had not anticipated the grueling bike segment, with its steep ascents and deceptive descents. Nonetheless, Franklin remained resolute, determined to complete the bike leg and deliver a strong finish in the run. Despite the immense difficulty, he emerged from the race feeling accomplished and satisfied, vowing to return to this challenging race in the future.
The athletes who participated in the event showcased how their unwavering determination propels them forward as they triumph over grueling races.
For Doddie Cruz Diño, Jr., the bike route proved more challenging than Baguio’s renowned hills. Uphill battles and exhilarating descents tested his limits. Undeterred, Doddie vowed to continue competing and inspiring others to embrace tough races as a source of inspiration.
64-year-old athlete Bienvenido Cariño from Guagua, Pampanga fearlessly tackled the challenging race, conquering daunting uphill sections with unwavering determination. Despite moments of doubt, Cariño persevered, relentlessly pedaling towards the finish line.
“I encountered a tough part of the course, and I wasn’t sure if I could make it through the challenging bike route. But despite the difficulty, I would do it again. My daughter, who is also an athlete, believes in me, and our shared experiences of biking together give me the motivation to keep pushing forward,” Cariño expressed in Filipino.
Catherine Pangan, competing in the 40-49 age category, faced a tough race and overcame it with determination. She acknowledged the difficulty of the competition and praised the resilience of all participants, especially the female athletes. Catherine highlighted the challenging bike segment, describing emotional strain and continuous uphill battles. Despite exhaustion, she successfully completed the race and expressed joy at her achievement.
Philip Aragones, 39, appreciated the scenic run course at New Clark City, which passed through the park and offered beautiful views. He recognized the challenge of the hilly terrain, but he drew inspiration from the surrounding mountains and greenery. Despite the difficulty, Aragones said the event was a great way to reintroduce himself to racing. He also mentioned that his family participated in the Pho3nix Kids event, highlighting its appeal as a fantastic family-oriented activity.
To access the complete results of the race, visit www.goclarkph.com.
