Quiambao conquers Camiguin; Bonda scores
Bea Quiambao confirmed her status as the country’s rising star in endurance racing after winning Camiguin Island’s first-ever Ironman 5150 hosting on Sunday over a field loaded by seasoned local and international campaigners.
The 25-year-old native of Bukidnon won every leg of the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run in two hours, 44 minutes and 16 seconds as she made minced meat of the changing weather and the field that went out to challenge her supremacy.
She shared the day’s honors with Kenneth Bonda, who timed 2:19:50 for an all-Filipin roster of champions in the event that drew the participation of athletes from 15 countries.
“It was a really nice experience, because I could see the coral underwater (in the swim), and then it was really windy (when the race got to the bike and run legs),” said Quiambao.
“The bike was really unique and while I was biking, I was looking at the ocean. So I had a lot of energy to lessen the fatigue that I felt,” she added.
Quiambao admitted to struggling in the run because of the humidity, but she dug deep enough to win with plenty to spare.
Drawing strength from the vibrant course and the crowd’s support, Bonda said the experience pushed him to keep going despite the heat and challenges.
“It’s really nice–especially the swim course because of the coral,” the 23-year-old Bonda said in Filipino. “Then on the bike, the cheering crowd gives you energy and takes away the fatigue. The run was hot, but it was definitely manageable.”
An Aircraft Mechanics student at Atech Aviation in Cagayan de Oro, the Lanao del Norte native admitted he came into the race with limited training due to academic commitments, making his performance even more impressive. He earlier secured a runner-up finish in his age group in Davao, but this latest win marks his breakthrough.
