Cebu’s pride in triathlon Noy Jopson clinched the overall title of the 2012 Sogod Mayor Monyeen Durano Triathlon Cup last Saturday at the Alegre Beach Resort and Spa.
Jopson crossed the finish line in two hours, 37 minutes and seven seconds to also dominate his age (35-39) category.
Jopson, who is preparing for the Aug. 5 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines, is looking to recapture the filipino male elite title he won in the Philippine Half Ironman contest in Camarines Sur in 2009.
The champion triathlete said he will return to competing under the Filipino elite category since he is not looking to qualify in other major Ironman events.
Last year, Jopson competed in the professional elite category and was one of the Filipinos who clinched an entry into the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Jopson’s daughter Mikele also made a splash in the SuperTriKids category by finishing second in the under-7 female division.
Finishing second to Jopson was John Phillip Duenas, who clocked 2:42:22. Another runner who transitioned successfully into the sport was Mendel Lopez, who finished third overall with a time of 2:52:08.
Other winners in the standard distance were Rodem Paras (15-20), Jason Bilangdal (20-24), Hector Restauro (30-34), Alvin Abarquez (40-44), John Go (46-49), and Gianluca Guidicelli (50-54).
Ruling the distaff side were Vangie Janea (30-39), Emily Estrada (40-44), and Annie Neric (46-49).
SUPERTRIKIDS
The Chiongbians once again dominated in their respective categories of the SuperTriKids.
While Yuan Chiongbian grabbed the title in the 11-12, his younger sister Savannah completed the top 3 in the under 7 female catgeory.
Other top finishers were Mya Torralba (Under 7 female); Riggs Gerona and Eim Espina in the 7-8; Eduard Rusell So and Meg Torralba in the 9-10; and Kristin Renne Salimbangon in the 11-12.
The Sprint distance winners were Gabby Salimbangon and Lister Ray Tungala (16-18); Franz Baguio and Mirian Joy Libre (25-29); Roche John Duterte (30-35); Avegail Zapanta (36-39); Venancio Catalan and Mary Ann De Los Santos (40-44); Bob Martinez (46-49) and Enrique Tenazas (55-59).
Joseph Miller ruled the duathlon event while Patrick Mendoza reigned supreme in the half duathlon. In the relay, Ramon Tan, Trino Trasmonte and John Ong combined strength for the top spot. CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON