Raymund completes Duaman Duathlon in PH

Tolentino

Run Saipan member Raymund Tolentino has continued his running hobby even while on vacation in the Philippines and even took part in the duathlon this past weekend.

The 53-year-old Westco Saipan salesman finished 10th place in his age group in the full distance of Swim Bike Run PH’s 2023 Duaman Duathlon in Clark City, Pampanga.

Tolentino negotiated the 5-kilometer run, 20-km bike, and 2.5-km run in 1:25:04. He had splits of 27:54, 40:08, and 17:02.

He said the hardest part of the Duaman Duathlon is that he was unfamiliar with the course.

“No practice at all. I just really want to try to experience the Pinoy crowd and it did not disappoint me! It’s a different feeling being surrounded by 900 participants and competitive athletes!” he said.

Tolentino, who originally is from Meycauayan City, Bulacan, said the only downside of racing with 900 other participants is the overcrowding, adding that everyone was literally elbow to elbow and sometimes stepping on each other at the starting line.

“I think it is a good thing though. It only means a lot of people are in this kind of sport! The best part of the race was to finish it without any injury or mechanical malfunction. Overall, it was a great experience to be with our kababayans (countrymen)! There were a lot of people and it was very hot but you won’t really notice it because it was fun,” he added.

Tolentino, who usually runs along the Froilan C. Tenorio Saipan Beach Pathway, dedicated his latest accomplishment to his friends, family, and loved ones who supported him throughout the race.

He also wasn’t the only Duaman Duathlon participant with a Saipan connection, as former island resident Ariel Lansangan also took part in the race and even finished third in the 55-59 age group.

Run Saipan president Edward Dela Cruz Jr. said Tolentino and other club members who venture out to compete abroad proves that their members are truly dedicated to the sport and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“I am very proud and happy that so many of our Run Saipan members are doing an amazing job outside of Saipan this summer. From Ann Bang, Chong Nam Lee, and now Raymund Tolentino. I feel we are not offering enough events and races that they have to go outside because that’s how hardcore they are with their sport. I speak for the entire Run Saipan family when I say we are very proud of Raymund right now and everyone else that competed over this summer.”