Hermosa, Manayon Lead Cebu Sweep in Sun Life 5150 Bohol

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BOHOL – Matthew Hermosa and Karen Manayon powered Cebu to a dominant sweep of the overall titles in the Sun Life 5150 Bohol triathlon, asserting the province’s rising presence in Philippine endurance racing on Sunday in Panglao Island.

Competing against veteran athletes and international up-and-comers, the Talisay City natives stood out in the Olympic-distance race featuring a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run.

Hermosa, a 2023 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in the aquathlon mixed relay, led wire-to-wire to win the men’s overall crown in 2:02:45.

He posted the fastest swim of the day at 19:37, clocked 1:00:36 on the bike, and finished strong with a 38:02 run.

The 20-year-old also ruled the men’s 20-24 age group, dethroning defending champion Irienold Reig Jr., who finished second in 2:05:20 (20:53 swim, 1:01:39 bike, 38:09 run).

Local standout Jonathan Pagaura placed third in 2:08:38 (22:32 swim, 1:00:50 bike, 40:34 run), taking the 25-29 age group title.

In the women’s division, Manayon delivered a breakout performance, finishing in 2:27:39.

She built an early lead with a 21:04 swim, stayed steady on the bike at 1:12:06, and sealed the win with a 49:06 run.

Her victory denied 2022 champion Bea Quiambao a repeat, as Quiambao settled for second in 2:31:07 (23:01 swim, 1:13:29 bike, 49:16 run) but still won the 25-29 division.

IRONMAN 70.3 veteran Ines Santiago took third in 2:34:56 (25:44 swim, 1:12:21 bike, 48:13 run), capturing the 40-44 age group crown.

Hermosa and Manayon also received the Bagong Bayani honors, which recognize active or former national athletes who exemplify excellence, resilience and pride for country.

Their wins underscored Cebu’s emergence as a triathlon powerhouse, with athletes from Talisay City rising from grassroots to elite status.

The Sun Life-sponsored race, organized by Sunrise Events Inc., drew athletes from 25 countries, including top contenders from the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Hong Kong.

Event sponsors included the Province of Bohol, The Bellevue Resort, the municipalities of Dauis and Panglao, Amlan Mineral Water, Ion Advanced Electrolyte Drink, 2GO, Philippine Sports Commission, Salt+Fin, Santé, Manila Bulletin, Tempo, House C-Vitt, Cobra Rise Energy Drink and Sportograf.com.

Cebu also swept the podium in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a short-distance race consisting of a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run.

John Michael Lalimos of Cogon Pardo ruled the men’s side and the 16-19 age group with a 1:01:20 finish.

He outpaced fellow Cebuano Renz Corbin of Talisay City (1:03:46), while Johnwayne Ibañez placed third in 1:06:14.

Lalimos gained control on the bike leg and held firm in the run, while Corbin, despite a faster swim, topped the men’s 20-24 age group by edging Ibañez.

In the women’s division, reigning 5150 Dapitan champion Nicole Marie Del Rosario added another title, clocking 1:14:46 to win overall and the 20-24 age group.

She held off fellow Cebuana Candace Socito, who finished in 1:17:24 and won the 16-19 division.

Venice Herbias of Consolacion placed third in 1:18:16.

Other female age-group winners were Catherine Chico (25-29 – 1:28:11), Sandra Inocillas-Pineda (30-34 – 1:33:03), Charmaine Jane Sy (35-39 – 1:28:21), Dailyn Larubis (40-44 – 1:28:37), Catherine Arias (45-49 – 1:23:43), Analiza From (50-54 – 1:48:11) and Susan Lim (55-59 – 1:32:26).

Men’s winners included Joshua Rosada (25-29 – 1:10:19), John Obedencio (30-34 – 1:12:15), Alex Silverio (35-39 – 1:12:58), Presco Carias Jr. (40-44 – 1:17:39), Ramonito Espinosa (45-49 – 1:10:02), Nollie Noprada (50-54 – 1:24:01), Eduardo Leuenberger (55-59 – 1:27:39) and Joselito Danao (60-64 – 1:39:59).

In the team category, Go for Gold, composed of Lalimos, Corbin and Ibañez, bagged the sprint overall title with a total time of 5:26:02.

TaxPro, led by Jummel Jaspe and Leonides Sollegue Jr., took silver in 5:53:44, while TriBohol, powered by Ruel Orcullo and Michaelangelo Opalla, settled for bronze with 7:00:22.