Philippines San Francisco Lake Resort Triathlon and Kids Aquathlon
About one hundred athletes and children joined the 1st San Francisco Lake Resort Triathlon and Kids Aquathlon at San Francisco Lake Resort, Barangay Alangilan, here last January 14 and 15.
Franklin Echevarria, the race organizer, said that he had organized several triathlons and most of them swam in swimming pools. The event is the first triathlon where the swimming event was conducted in a man-made lake, instead of the traditional swimming pool in recent events.
A swimming coach who is one of the participants claimed that the lake was conducive for the swimming event because its depth allowed swimmers to fully utilize their kicks without fear of hitting bottom or any sharp protrusions.
The 1.5 hectare man-made lake was constructed by resort owner Michael Bantug, to be the centerpiece of San Francisco Lake Resort, which is only about 20 to 30 minutes away from Bacolod City proper.
“It has a depth of five to six feet,” disclosed Bantug, who revealed that he also plans to construct a clubhouse, cabanas and other amenities around the lake.
Aside from the lake, another attraction for bikers and runners is Alangilan’s challenging mountainous terrain which offers uphill and downhill courses, as well as rocky paths and river crossings.
Different categories were contested; the age group, open and elite for both men and women – for the triathlon and aquathlon so that participants can choose a level of difficulty suited to their age and physical capabilities.
The triathlon also offered categories for individual and team relay.
The triathlon’s Elite Category winners were Ronel Derecho (1st – 1:03:45), Michael Medel (2nd – 1:03:53) and Joeven Hilario (3rd – 1:13:48).
In the individual category, Women’s Triathlon Open Category winner was Kathrina Joyce Dela Cruz (1:14:24) of Silay City while Men’s Triathlon 40-50 yrs. old category winner was Miguel Evarita (1:04:30) of San Miguel Beer, Inc.
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