The successful Yellow Cab Challenge Philippines Subic-Bataan was held last February 21 which showcased multi-awarded triathletes from different parts of the world including some of the country’s celebrity triathletes.
TV host and active triathlete Drew Arellano finished strong despite lack of training after clocking in at 5:58:41, ranking 9th in the 35-39 year-old category.
“Wala [kaming special training], just the usual. It’s just really hard to prepare properly coming from a Christmas vacation and this is still early in the season so people are still making kapa, people are just starting have better fitness levels,” Arellano said.
“There are flats, there are rolling hills, [and] definitely there are mountains to climb, so this course was probably the hardest… It’s challenging but the trade-off is it’s very enjoyable and not boring,” Arellano added.
GMA News Anchor Kara David, on the other hand, was part of the Powerpops TriKings 3 for swim, while TGIS alumnus Onemig Bondoc also participated in the relay for run.
David’s mixed relay group clocked in at 7:00:29 while Bondoc’s all male team, Powerpops TriKings 1, registered a 6:29:30 record.
Former PBB housemate Paul Jake Castillo was also among the race finishers of the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km course.
The PBB alumnus clocked in at 7:07:11, finishing 17th under the 30-34 year-old category. “Despite so little training, I finished the toughest and hardest triathlon in the Philippines,” Castillo posted on his Instagram account.
After being dubbed by the TRIMAG Asia as the most prestigious triathlon event in the Asian region last year, this year’s race in Subic-Bataan is already being called as one of the toughest race in the world by a lot of triathletes and fans.
On the other hand, the race’s broadcast coverage extends to over 82 countries worldwide, showcasing the Philippines as the most desired lifestyle and sports destination.
The world-class season opener for long-distance racing in the Philippines—and all other festivities—were held at the Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay, and at the rugged and beautiful province of Bataan.
On June 14, the team will stage another race, this time in CamSur, where multi-awarded world champs and local celebrities are expected to join. This one is touted to be one of the fastest races in the world.
For more details about the race and future races, please visit the Challenge Philippines website at http://challengephilippines.com.ph