JUAN Francisco Baniqued said he ran a good race in the 13-14-year-old boys’ category of the 2017 Alaska Aquathlon age-group competitions recently at the Manila Polo Club.
The 14-year-old Baniqued, who is on his final year in his category, finished the 400-meter swim and 3-km run course in 17 minutes and 17 seconds.
The transition period between the swim and run events, according to Baniqued, gave him enough time to adjust his body to conditions along the route.
“It was good. I had a good, safe distance,” said Baniqued, an eighth grader from Colegio San Agustin in Binan, Laguna.
He was 10 seconds ahead of Clifford Pusing, who was second in 17:27, while Richard Navo settled for third in 17:30.
Overall, Baniqued had five 13-14-year-old titles, with coach Ani de Leon Brown coaching him.
“He is very consistent and trains well. This is his final year. He wants to finish it with a bang,” said De Leon.
In the distaff side, Franz Emmanuelle Joves dominated in 12:26, with Angelina Powell and Kristana Derada taking the silver and bronze, respectively.
In the 11-12 male action, Zedrick Borja ruled the 300-swim-2km run course in 12:26, followed by Gile Mariscotes and Jay Salita in second and third.
Katrina Salazar topped the girls’ action in 13:46, finishing in front of Ryza Baluyot and Mona Erediano.
Michael Lozada conquered the 9-10 boys, while Aubrey Tong prevailed in the girls’ section. Kylee Marasigan won the 6-8 year old boys’ side, and Kayla Salada dominated the girls’ action.