FIRST-TIME triathletes Daryll De Luna and Cheng Nam Lee took the Paupau Taga 5150 Triathlon challenge on Saturday and did pretty well.
In the U19 division, De Luna bested Eric Phillip David to finish first.
“It has always been my dream to be part of a triathlon,” De Luna said. “I grew up in the Philippines and it’s always hard to be a part of the triathlons there because of the price of participation — you really have to pay and invest. So now that I was able to do this at a very young age — it’s a very big accomplishment for me,” he added.
He has participated in half marathons on Saipan before, usually finishing among the top 10.
“So it’s very surprising for me to learn that I finished first in this triathlon,” he said.
Asked what was the hardest part of the course, he answered, “To me, the course wasn’t hard. The hardest part was the mentality to stay patient. There were a lot of times when one asked, ‘how long will this take?’ You need to have a mindset that tells you that as long as you’re moving you will reach your destination.”
Another new triathlete, Cheng Nam Lee, finished second in the 60UP age division.
“I tried to test myself,” he said. “I wanted to know if I was equal to the challenge. A triathlon is on my bucket list so I’m happy to know that I was able to do it. I’m satisfied with myself.”
He said his biggest challenge was the biking section. “I didn’t have my own bike so I borrowed from someone. The mountain bike was heavy so it was tough. But again, I’m happy to check-mark another box on my bucket list. I did it!”
Florence Antonio topped the 60UP division with Manny Sitchon placing third.
Cheng Nam Lee, center, smiles as he poses for a photo with TRAC representatives during the awards ceremony for the Paupau Taga 5150 Triathlon at the Kensignton Hotel.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Daryll De Luna, who topped the U19 division, poses for a photo with TRAC representatives during the awards ceremony for the Paupau Taga 5150 Triathlon at the Kensignton Hotel.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
