2017 Open Water Challenge Leg 1 | Race Results and Review

0 105 1 minute read

Open water swimming in the Philippines is growing! The first leg of the 2017 Open Water Challenge Series garnered close to 300 participants ranging from first timers to experienced open water swimmers.

Co-organized by Swim Fit Philippines and SWIMBIKERUN.ph (SBR.ph), the Open Water Challenge Leg 1 was a huge success as it kicked off the 2017 open water swimming season with a bang. It wasn’t too long ago when participants of open water swimming events averaged from 70-80 participants.

Acea Resort, the home of triathlon swim starts in Subic Bay, proved to be the perfect venue of the event as it provided swimmers with clean water and opened their doors to their newly renovated facilities.

The highlight of the event was the 3km distance which was dominated by Christine Tan for the female category and Ernie Gawilan who finished the race in 46:06. Tan was followed by Cristina de Guzman and Chie Marie Santiago while Jose Artega and Joseph Dennis Flores wrapped up the men’s 3km podium, finishing second and third, respectively.

The event also had other distances. For the 2km, it was Heish Lavina and Roland Sabido who claimed top spots while Anna Adora and Austin Morfe conquered the 1.5km distance. Heather Sanguyo was untouchable in the 1km distance and para-athlete Arnel Aba, along with other para-athletes who joined the race, proved that disability is actually an ability by claiming top spots and various podium finishes in their respective categories.

The Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Robredo, also graced the event as she watched her daughter Jilian Therese Robredo, finished the race and claim 1st place in the new Splash and Flash category of the Open Water Challenge 2017.

The 2017 Open Water Challenge Leg 1 would not have been possible without the help of our generous sponsors, Human Nature, Robinsons Supermarket, Regent, Barefoot Wines, SBMA, and Acea Beach Resort.