Soloists Buco, Spaeth rule 7th Saipan Duathlon

Joel Buco is all smiles as he crosses the finish line first in the men’s solo division of the 7th Saipan Duathlon last Sunday at the Banzai Cliff in Marpi. (LEIGH GASES)

Joel Buco and Robyn Spaeth topped the solo division of the 7th Saipan Duathlon held during a windy Sunday morning at the Banzai Cliff in Marpi.

Buco, an avid biker, sped through the 5-kilometer run, 20-km bike, and 2.5-km run in a time of 1:15:11 to win the men’s solo category, while Spaeth, a Marianas High School teacher, zoomed to first in the women’s solo category with a time of 1:24:53.

Second to Buco was Mike Aparte who clocked in at 1:19:31, followed by Hernan Cristobal’s 1:20:26 time.

Shawna Brennfleck came in second to Spaeth with a time of 1:26:14, while Kimiko Mckagan completed the Top 3 at 1:29:19.

The 49-year-old Buco told Saipan Tribune in Filipino after the race that the course was nice and windy but it was nothing that he couldn’t handle. 

Robyn Spaeth crosses the finish line first in the women’s solo division of the 7th Saipan Duathlon last Sunday at the Banzai Cliff in Marpi. (LEIGH GASES)

For Spaeth’s part, the 39-year-old said she was still sore from running the Ekiden Relay a day before but she pushed through and tried to see throughout the race if she could keep the same pace or go a little bit past that. 

She also said that it was a great race organized by the Triathlon Association of the CNMI and that it was great racing with other women athletes, some of which were her friends. “It was great to see all these women out here, motivating and pushing each other to finish the race,” said Spaeth.

As for the course, she said it was windy with the strong tailwind and headwind, and that she had to keep her pace to make sure she wasn’t going too slow but that it was “challenging and fun” at the same time.

The Triathlon Association of the CNMI takes a group photo with the winners of the 7th Saipan Duathlon last Sunday at the Banzai Cliff in Marpi in which participants trekked through a 5-kilometer run, 20-km bike, and 2.5-km run. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

With the Pacific Games near the end of the year, Spaeth was asked if she would like the chance to represent CNMI in the triathlon events and she said “I hadn’t thought about that until after they mentioned it today. For now, I just wanted to join this duathlon and just keep the triathlon in my radar.”

In the other divisions, Jaypee Pangelinan came in first in the men’s U30 category with a time of 1:34:50 and second to him was Kim Dalupo with 2:04:26.

Jay-Ar Barrios was the lone competitor in the men’s 30 to 39 age group and came in at 1:19:31, while in the women’s 30 to 39 age group, Kathy Ruszala completed the trek at 1:32:08, followed by Kerri Bauer at 1:39:57.

In the men’s 40 to 49 age group, Leon Wania came in first with a time of 1:37:15, followed by Jess Gariguez with a time of 1:49:42. 

In the women’s 40-49 age group, Jayanne Felipe came in first at 1:34:22, second was Pamela Walsh with a time of 1:45:02, third was Sheila Mabutas at 1:47:40.  

In the men’s 50 to 59 age group, the lone participant was Raymund Tolentino with a time of 1:56:07. 

Lastly in the men’s 60 years and up, Edgar Abalos topped it with a time of 1:33:18, followed by Ponciano Corotan at 1:38:27.

In the mixed relay division, Ren Ren Gaviola and Shigeki Tenorio clocked in first with a time of 1:11:10; second was team Bobax Magic at 1:29:44; and third was the team The Brooke Sisters with a time of 1:34:11.
TRAC
secretary general Jojo Valencia said, “On behalf of the Triathlon Association of the CNMI, I would like to thank all participants and congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to our sponsors, especially to Tan Holdings, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, and IT&E. This event wouldn’t have been possible without your support and generosity. Lastly, to all volunteers, thank you so much for your time. We really appreciate your help!”

Proceeds from TRAC’s 7th Saipan Duathlon will go to the sport federation’s preparations for the triathlon event of this year’s Honoria Pacific Games 2023 in November.