By Jean Malanum
CAPAS, TARLAC – University of the Philippines’ Juliana Talaro defended the women’s 10,000-meter walk title Thursday in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium here.
The 22-year-old from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig clocked 55 minutes and 57.21 seconds to claim her third straight title.
University of Santo Tomas’ Azeneth Serat finished second in 56:51.95 followed by University of the East’s University of the East’s Sep Blessee Placido (57:59.90).
“I really want to defend the title, I’m glad I did it,” said Talaro, who competed in the 20,000-meter walk race at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China.
Talaro’s teammate, Mary Julianne Bayola placed fourth in 58:23.56.
Meanwhile, Muntinlupa Athletics Team’s Wenniel Simba and Rain Mabeling had a 1-2 finish in the men’s U-18 5,000-meter walk race of the tournament supported by ICTSI Foundation, Inc., CEL Logistics, United Auctioneers Inc., Milo Philippines and Pocari Sweat.
Simba registered 27:27.04 to prevail over 2024 champion Mabeling, who posted 27:29.95.
Jaycee Reyes, representing Biñan City (Laguna), was third in 27:52.94.
The tournament serves as one of the qualifiers for the country’s representatives in the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December and the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain in October. (PNA)
