Casares and Alcoseba Take the Crown at National Age Group Triathlon in Subic Bay
Olongapo witnessed a showcase of exceptional athletic talent as Fernando Jose Casares emerged as the winner in the men’s elite sprint category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Series held at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Born to a Spanish father and Filipino mother, the 26-year-old Casares finished the swim-bike-run event with a time of 57 minutes and 16 seconds, outpacing competitors Matthew Justine Hermosa and Andrew Kim Remolino.
The competition was tough, but Casares was determined to claim victory. His triumph at the NAGT Series adds to his already impressive resume, which includes a gold medal in the standard distance swim-bike-run event at the 2022 Vietnam SEA Games and a mixed relay gold medal at the 2019 Manila SEA Games.
In the women’s category, Raven Faith Alcoseba from Cebu City dominated with a time of 1 hour and 4 minutes and 36 seconds. Erika Nicole Burgos and Karen Manayon trailed closely behind. Alcoseba’s victory follows her win in the duathlon competition at the New Clark City Sports Complex last year.
The junior elite division of the tournament was equally exciting, with Dayshaun Ramos and Kira Ellis being crowned champions in their respective categories. Ramos won the men’s category with a time of 1 hour and 1 minute and 56 seconds, while Ellis posted a time of 1 hour and 5 minutes and 51 seconds to secure the women’s gold medal.
Organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the NGAT Series is just one of the several tune-up events for the national athletes as they prepare for the Cambodia SEA Games in May. Tom Carrasco Jr., head of TRAP, expressed his excitement for the upcoming National Aquathlon Championships in Vermosa (Cavite) in March and the Subic International Triathlon in April.
