Tri Bantayan : Triathletes’ Test of Courage and Compassion

The tremendous heat, strong current and bad off road course were the obstacles that greeted the triathletes last Saturday within the municipality of Bantayan. However those stumbling blocks didn’t stop Kristiane Lim, Johnny Ferniz and Jeffrey C. Codino from being the top three finishers in the recently concluded Tri Bantayan.


“Tri-Bantayan is a benefit race for the Bantayanons which aims to help and promote the Bantayan Island after it was devastated by the Yolanda wrath last November,” as stressed by Cebu Park Lane International Hotel General Manager Cenelyn Manguilimotan.

The race was held in Barangay Baigad, Municipality of Bantayan, Bantayan Island, Cebu last May 3, 2014. It started at 1:00 P.M. at Montemar Beach Resort which served as the finish line, as well. It was the first time that a triathlon race was set in Bantayan since most races are concentrated in Sta. Fe, alone.

Tri Bantayan is a 1-kilometer swim, 30.05-km bike and a 7.09-km run with the race route all set within the municipality of Bantayan.

Photo Credit: Hunat Sugbu: Dagan Para Ni Maning Facebook page

Bike Course
Beach Montemar, Baigad (Transition Area) to Sillon Road to Bantayan Proper to Kampingganon (turning Point) back to Bantayan Proper (Plaza) to Sillon to Beach Montemar, Baigad...

Run Course
Beach Montemar to Sitio Bombil, Sta Fe (turning Point) and back to Beach Montemar.

There were twenty-four teams whose members signed up according to Age Groups: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 years old and above for the Male and Female Open; to an All-Male Relay and to a Mix Relay wherein each team had one female member.


THE WINNERS

Parklane Tri Team’s Kristiane Lim, Johnny Ferniz and Jeffrey Codino arrived at the Finish Line victorious as they topped the Standard category amidst the scorching heat, difficult terrain and the strong current.

Kristianne Lim, 27, finished first with 1:50:33. He came in third place in the swim leg of the race since according to him, he had a hard time with the current. However, he used his advantage as a strong biker and runner which made him finish first place in the last two parts of the race.

Johnny Ferniz, 26, clocked in at 2:02:19 which placed him in the second spot. The swim and bike gave him a hard time with the stubborn current, bad road course because of the potholes and the heat was too overwhelming for him. However he was unfazed and pushed himself with a faster pace with one mantra in mind, “Why not finish the race?”

Third place went to Jeffrey Codino, 36, who’s 1 minute and 15 seconds shy from Ferniz in 2:03:34. He made a surprising comeback at the finish line since Codino wasn’t even in the top ten of the swim leg but he slowly made his way to top 9 in the bike course. Swimming is his weakness which explained his struggle at the first leg but he did better in the bike phase despite the off-road course. Finally he used his strength as a good runner in dashing towards the finish line with his mindset to finish the race no matter what it takes.

Just like Kristiane, Johnny and Jeffrey, the seventy-one triathletes braved the grueling race with steadfast determination up in their sleeves as they finished the race with their triumphant smile gleaming which says sweet success written all over their faces.

After the race, the triathletes were given a luau dinner party with good food, drinks, fun entertainment and of course the awarding of winners. Everyone was in high spirits because of the successful event hosted by one of the premier hotels, Cebu Parklane International Hotel and its efficient staff. Also Tri Bantayan went smoothly as planned because of the combined efforts of Bantayan Mayor Ian Christopher Escario and his officials and the dynamic team of the race director, Mr. Joel Baring who made sure that there will be no lapses throughout the race.

All of the winners received tokens and gift certificates aside from the trophies given. Each triathlete who participated received a finisher’s medal at the finish line.

All of the proceeds of this race went to the Bantayan municipality as their drive to help the Yolanda victims. The proceeds were in addition to the relief goods which were distributed by the Parklane personnel last Sunday.

Truly Cebu Parklane International Hotel stood for its brand name, an institution that not only promotes the entire Cebu as the next destination through active sports and entertainment but it is also a hotel with love and compassion for others who have less in life.

Definitely, a “hotel in Cebu that stands for Cebu.”

Beyee
Social Media Contributor
iSTORYAn League of Writers

Photos by: Sevmik