UPLB Trantados shine in age group triathlon

MANILA, Philippines –  The UPLB Trantados stamped their class in various age group divisions and the overall category as they dominated the TRAP-Speedo National Age Group Triathlon at the Baker Hall of UP Los Baños recently.

John Omar Paredes, also known as Trankidlat of the Trantados, took first place in the overall men’s division, turning in a one-hour, 34-minute, 25-second clocking in the 800-m swim, 32-km bike and 6-km run event.

Michael Ranier Chua finished second in 1:36:41 while another Trantado, Ivan Fojas placed third with a 1:37:05 clocking.  

In women’s play, Maris Balatibat, also of the UPLB Trantados, bagged first place overall with a total time of 1:58:06 with teammate Joan Krizia Kalaw finishing second in 2:00:56. Vanessa Aguirre came in third two seconds behind.

A total of 126 participants took part in the event organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and hosted by the UPLB Trantados Triathlon Club. 

Race director for the event was Ford Ironman Kona finisher, Laarni Anenias Paredes. Both Anenias-Paredes and Omar Paredes were official athletes of team Herbalife.

Meanwhile, the Trantados have vowed to continue holding swim, bike and run races and make Los Baños an alternative venue for future triathlon events, said UPLB Trantados club president Ian Lee Castilla.