New champs crowned at 2015 Safeguard for Men 5i50 Triathlon in Panglao

PANGLAO, Philippines – Australia’s Sam Betten and Dimity Lee-Duke crossed the finish line ahead of their foes to become the new champions in the pros category of the 2015 Safeguard for Men 5i50 Triathlon on Sunday, November 8 on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines.

The earlier prediction of rain did not materialize, leaving the 750 participants to race under clear blue skies – and hot, balmy weather. 

Despite the steamy conditions, Betten still led the race all the way and crossed the finish line in two hours, one minute and 3 seconds (2:01:03) to bring home the male pro title and become the first back-to-back champion of the 5i50 Triathlon Races as he also topped last June’s Regent 5i50 Triathlon Philippines held in Subic.

“I am absolutely over the moon over this back-to-back titles,” said Betten, who admitted that he is using these titles as stepping stones to his goal of winning all future races that he will be joining in the Philippines.

Betten added that ever since winning the Regent 5i50, he has been wanting to win this race “and to be able to pull it off is extremely special and I hope to be able to defend both races next year.”

Trailing at second and third places were fellow Australians Michael Murphy and Justin Granger, respectively.

Murphy completed the whole course in 2:03:48 while Granger clocked the whole race in 2:12:38.

Another Australian, Mitch Robbins, was actually running third next to Betten and Murphy but he was meted a 5-minute penalty for littering in the 40-kilometer bike ride event. He eventually settled for fourth place with a time of 2:20:00.

In the distaff side, Lee-Duke overcame a sluggish start to pocket the female pro title for the first time after finishing the race in 2:13:30 and thereby relegating Australia Ironman Hall of Famer Belinda Granger, who was competing in her last triathlon race, to second place.

Granger, who was more focused on saving every moment of her last race to memory, breasted the tape at 2:19:47.

Granger was actually out of the water first and transitioned into the bike ride almost a full minute ahead of Lee-Duke.

“I didn’t have a great swim, that’s something that I need to work on, I missed the lead pack but I kept the energy coz I knew I’m going to catch up with Belinda in the run,” Lee-Duke said.

Lee-Duke caught up with Granger in the last portion of the bike ride and never relinquished the lead.

Lee-Duke was inspired by the presence of her parents, especially her father who watched her race in the Philippines for the first time as he has already retired from work.

The one-time point guard, who accidentally got into the sport of triathlon as part of her therapy when she got injured during a basketball game, said she believes that she did not spoil Granger’s last race by relegating her to second place.

“I am sure she (Belinda Granger) is more than happy to finish second. She’s had a stellar year,” said Lee-Duke.

Rounding up the top 3 is the Philippines only female pro, Monica Torres, who had a time of 2:26:26.

All-Filipino Elite

Bohol native Paul Jumamil made the most of racing at home to grab the male all-Filipino elite title with a time of 2:07:26.

The 23-year-old Jumamil said that he trained in Bohol for one month to prepare. He says he was very nervous racing in front of his fellow Boholanos, but was buoyed by the loud cheers that he received from the crowd.

Placing second was Jonard Saim who clocked 2:12:08 while third place was claimed by Cebu’s Kristiane Glendale Lim with his time of 2:17:54.

Jorry Ycong would have claimed third place with his 2:12:13 but he was disqualified after he did not serve the appropriate penalty for an infraction he committed during the 40-km bike ride, according to organizers.

The distaff side was topped by Jenny Rose Guerrero who said she was oblivious to her foes as she was racing her own race.

She crossed the finish line in 2:42:01.

Cebu’s Elona Louise Villacin finished second after clocking 2:54:34.

For complete results of the race, please check www.5i50philippines.com/safeguard. – Rappler.com