Mangrobang, Macalalad top 5150 Camsur

CAMARINES SUR — In-form Kim Mangrobang and comebacking Edward Macalalad flashed their fangs in the bike and run legs, emerging as the overall champions in their respective divisions Sunday in the 5150 CamSur.

Mangrobang took charge during the bike event after placing second to Erika Burgos in the opening swim stage then sustained her pace in the run to cruise to victory in 2:22:35 over the Olympic-distance course of 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run race that marked the triathlon’s return to its original race destination.

The Santa Rosa, Laguna native expressed happiness at returning to CamSur, drawing inspiration from the nostalgic atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd support.

“I am happy competing once again here at Camsur. I did the 70.3 last 2011 and I think I was the youngest at that time. The people of Camsur are very supportive,” said the 32-year-old Mangrobang, who turned in leg times of 0:01:18 (swim), 1:12:02 (bike) and 45:27 (run) to claim the women’s crown.

Winner of the inaugural 5150 Dapitan last September, Mangrobang credited her fiery form to consistent training with the national team.

“As part of the national team, we train the whole year and this is just one of the training races lined up for us,” she added.

Burgos set the pace in the swim but faced challenges in the bike segment before mounting a comeback in the run, securing second place in 2:26:33, while Bea Quiambao placed third with a 2:29:28 clocking.

French Amandine Fetaud and Anne Nuñez took the next two spots in 2:41:47 and 2:44.32, respectively.