Betten, Watkinson rule Bellevue 5150

BOHOL, Philippines – Sam Betten continued to frolic in the beautiful island of Panglao as he captured back-to-back titles in the centerpiece men’s pro division of the Bellevue Resort 5150 Triathlon yesterday at Bellevue Resort here.

Determined to enjoy another coronation in the white sands of Bohol, Betten dished out a blistering performance and covered the 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run course in 2:01:40 to win the crown with plenty to spare.

Henry Beck settled for runner-up honors after checking in at 2:10.07 while Philippine-based pro Dan Brown took third spot with his 2:29:37 effort.

There was a change in the holder of the tiara over in the women’s pro competition, though, as Amelia Watkinson dethroned Dimity Lee Duke.

Watkinson, also the ruler of the Subic 5150 earlier this year, sustained her triumphant streak on Philippine soil as she reached home ahead of Duke and their rivals at 2:10:19.

Duke clocked 2:15.10 to concede the crown in the season-ending race sponsored by Bellevue Resort and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. while Michelle Duffield finished third with 2:32:22 and Betten’s girlfriend, Rebecca Ohlwein, took No. 4 position with 3:19:28.

Jorry Ycong and Jenny Rose Guerrero, meanwhile, grabbed a share of the spotlight as they dominated the Filipino elite male and female races, respectively.

Guerrero led from start to finish and timed 2:38:57 to beat Cianyl Gonzales, who had a 2:51:20 clocking while Amale Jopson and Aimee Dequia took the next two spots in 3:00:42 and 3:13:18, respectively, in the women’s side.

Ycong, on the other hand, rallied in the run stage, clocking 39:13 for a 2:10:55 total as he turned back Paul Jumamil, who led in the swim and bike stages only to falter in the final leg with 41:05 and wound up with 2:11:44.

Emmanuel Comendador took the bronze in 2:11:56.

Close to 600 triathletes took part in the event backed by The Bellevue Resort as official hotel, Active Network (official registration partner), 2Go Express (official logistics and courier partner), Powerade and Wilkins Pure (official hydration partner). Alaska Milk Corp., David’s Salon, GU Energy Gel, Prudential Guarantee, Intercare, TYR, Newton, The Bellevue Resort and Province of Bohol (host venues), Municipality of Dauis and Municipality of Panglao (bike course partners), The Philippine Star, Trilife Magazine, AsiaTRI.com and FinisherPix (media partners) and Ford, Cetaphil, Devant, Daylong, Motor Ace, Regent, Sanicare and Storck Bicycle (marketing sponsors).

The event also featured competitions in the Sunrise Sprint, which drew over a hundred participants, age groups and relays.