Bohol: Cebuanos Matthew Justine Hermosa and Karen Manayon displayed strong performances to secure victory at the Sun Life 5150 Bohol triathlon held on Panglao Island. The Talisay City athletes, under the guidance of national coach Roland Remolino, excelled in the Olympic-distance race comprising a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run, also achieving success in their respective age group divisions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hermosa, who previously clinched gold in the aquathlon mixed relay event at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, emerged as the men's overall champion with a time of 2:02:45, covering the swim in 19:37, the bike in 1:00:36, and the run in 38:02. He also dominated the 20-24 age group category. Last year's titleholder, Irienold Reig Jr., finished second with a time of 2:05:20, while local favorite Jonathan Pagaura placed third at 2:08:38, leading the 25-29 age-group category.

Hermosa expressed that the race was both enjoyable and challenging as he competed against other elite and national team members. The 19-year-old, currently a second-year marketing student at the University of San Carlos, appreciated the competitive spirit of the event.

In the women's division, Manayon completed the race in 2:27:39, with splits of 21:04 for the swim, 1:12:06 for the bike, and 49:06 for the run. Bea Quiambao, the previous year's champion, secured second place with a time of 2:31:07 and topped the 25-29 category. Ines Santiago, a former IRONMAN 70.3 champion, finished third in 2:34:56, leading the 40-44 category.

Both Hermosa and Manayon were honored with the Bagong Bayani awards, recognizing active or former national athletes who demonstrate excellence, resilience, and national pride. The triathlon, organized by Sunrise Events Inc., attracted participants from 25 countries, including strong contingents from the US, Great Britain, Australia, and Hong Kong.

In another event, Cebu's triathletes swept the top three spots in both the men and women divisions of the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, covering a 750 m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run. John Michael Lalimos of Cogon Pardo emerged as the overall champion and led the 16-19 category with a time of 1:01:20. Renz Corbin of Talisay City, who topped the 20-24 category, finished second overall, followed by Johnwayne Iba±ez.

In the women's division, the podium finishers were Nicole Marie Del Rosario, Candace Socito, and Venice Herbias. Del Rosario also won the 20-24 category title, while Socito led the 16-19 category.