5i50 Subic – It’s Twice the Fun in the Philippines!

2013 5i50 Champs (from left to right): Ben Allen, Luke McKenzie, Jacqui Slack, Belinda Granger, Michelle Gailey, Fredrik Croneberg & Justin Granger

Indeed, triathlon is more fun in the Philippines. But for Australia’s Pro triathlete Belinda Granger, triathlon is twice the fun in the Philippines. Leading the Women Pro category at the swim start, Belinda took home her second Championship Title in this year’s 5i50, clocking in at 02:17:33. 

Being a first timer in the Philippines did not deter the Australian Luke McKenzie to bag his first 5i50 Philippines Championship title in the Men Pro category, crossing the finish line in 01:59:25. 

Despite the heavy downpour the night before the race, pros, elites, celebrity triathletes and age groupers have massively gathered as early as 5am at the Hanjin Port to have their body markings done, and to be ready for the swim start. The first wave came off at half past 6, which included Alaska Team TBB’s Mathieu O’Halloran, Luke McKenzie, Ben Allen, Chris McCormack, Justin Granger, Fredrick Croneberg, Michael Murphy, Luke Gillmer, Belinda Granger, Michelle Gailey, Jacqui Slack and Monica Torres who were competing in the Pro Category. Monica Torres debuted as Filipino Pro in this year’s 5i50. Dhill Anderson Lee, Banjo Norte, Jenny Rose Guerrero, Rochelle Tan, Kim Mangrobang, Nikko Huelgas, John Leerams Chicaco and Jonard Saim, who were among the Filipino Elites. 

As soon as the gun start for the first wave sounded off, I asked my motorbike rider to take me to the swim out area, roughly a couple of kilometres from the swim start area. I stood by the railings waiting as to who swims out first. Matt O’Halloran and Belinda Granger led the Pro in the swim course; Alaska Team TBB protégé Dhill Anderson Lee and Kim Mangrobang led the Filipino Elites. 

Chris “Macca” McCormack at the Transition 1, 5i50 Philippines

Soon, the pros and elites were on their bike. The 40 kilometre bike course was very technical with its uphill and downhill slopes. Part of the course was a bike ride at the Subic Airport. Luke McKenzie took the leading spot among the male pros. Belinda on the other hand confidently maintained her positioned as the leading Female Pro. Coming from the downhill ride, the riders proceeded to Transition 2 at SBECC for the run leg.

The 10 kilometre run course was generally flat. In her past interviews, Belinda Granger admitted that she isn’t a fast runner. But her leading mileage in both the swim and bike courses helped her maintain her position, and so was Luke McKenzie. Ben Allen and Michael Murphy was catching up on McKenzie, while Michelle Gailey locked in on her speed in the hope of getting even with Granger. Jacqui Slack was just behind Gailey. 

As the pros competed among themselves, the Filipino Elites showed their inherent skills during the entire duration of the race. Dhill Anderson of Alaska Team TBB recorded 18 minutes 43 seconds in the swim leg, Jonard Saim completed the bike course in 1 hour 8 minutes and 3 seconds; and Philip Dueñas, despite not winning any of the top three spots, completed his 10k run in 34 minutes and 45 seconds. Philip recorded the fasted run leg in this year’s race. Among the Women Filipino Elites, Jenny Rose Guerrero completed her 10k run in 50 minutes and 51 seconds while Kim Mangrobang completed the swim course in 21 minutes and 12 seconds. 

Alaska Team TBB: Jenny Rose Guerrero, Dhill Anderson Lee, Marc Altura

The Coach: Matt O’Halloran

Matt O’Halloran, resident coach of Alaska Team TBB, though he won the Alaska Swim Time Bonus, has not won any of the top three spots. Yet, he was a Champion in his own right.  The young protégés he was coaching did really well in the race. Jenny Rose Guerrero brought home the Championship Title in the Women Filipino Elite Category. She was also the recipient of the Oakley Time Bonus. Banjo Norte finished fourth among the Men Filipino Elites. Dhill Anderson Lee was also a recipient of the Alaska Swim Time Bonus. 

Marc Altura and Martin Torres, also from Alaska Team TBB, competed in the 15 – 19 age group category.

2013 5i50 Finisher’s Medals & Trophies

Leading this year’s list of winners are:
Men Pro:
1. Luke McKenzie – 01:59:25
2. Ben Allen – 02:02:40
3. Michael Murphy – 02:05:46

Women Pro
1. Belinda Granger – 02:17:33
2. Michelle Gailey – 02:24:09
3. Jacqui Slack – 02:26:05

Men Filipino Elite
1. John Chicano – 02:09:45
2. Jonard Saim – 02:10:29
3. Nikko Huelgas – 02:11:00

Women Filipino Elite
1. Jenny Rose Guerrero – 02:41:48
2. Rochelle Tan – 02:52:56
3. Kim Mangrobang – 03:03:20

At the media center, I had the opportunity to chat with Jacqui Slack after the race. Despite having a couple of flat tires in the bike course, she was in all smiles saying that “it’s always good to be here (competing at 5i50 Subic).” Rest assured, she’ll be back next year, hoping for more good luck to come her way.

Due to some challenges he encountered with his bike while at the bike leg of the race, world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack had no choice but to quit the race. And while most sports cater to the able-bodied individuals, triathlon events such as 5i50 give opportunities to physically  challenged individuals to compete.

Philippine Triathlon Team Captain Nikko Huelgas admitted that being his first time to compete in 5i50, gave him some “good pressure” that makes him “want to work hard.” He won Third Place in the Filipino Elite Category.

Noelle “Kikay Runner” de Guzman, Solenn Heusaff, Isabelle Daza, Erwan Heusaff, Drew Arellano & Nikko Huelgas

At the race venue, I bumped into the pretty Noelle “Kikay Runner” de Guzman, who looked so fresh after the race! And there was Erwan Heusaff, Isabelle Daza and Solenn Heusaff and Drew Arellano. Also, spotted at the event was Jeff Lo of Pinoyfitness.

5i50 is a triathlon event composed of 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. The event was held in Subic Exhibition and Convention Center on June 23, 2013 by Sunrise Events. 

For a full list of winners, please visit: www.5150philippines.com. For race updates, please follow us on Twitter: @AlaskaSportshub