Bea Quiambao secured her second major victory of the season by winning the inaugural Ironman 5150 Camiguin on Sunday. Just two months after her triumph at Ironman 70.3 Davao, Quiambao has solidified her status as a leading figure in Philippine triathlon.
The 25-year-old athlete from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, dominated the race despite fluctuating weather conditions, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 16 seconds. She excelled in both the overall and Filipino Elite categories.
Kenneth Bonda followed suit on the men’s side, clinching victory with a time of 2:19:59, outperforming John Hamlan, who finished at 2:31:52. Both athletes showcased exceptional consistency and performance across the challenging course.
The race started under favorable conditions, but competitors faced a difficult mix of heavy rains, overcast skies, and intense sun with strong winds, especially during the bike leg on the island's rolling hills.
Quiambao began strong with a leading swim, maintained her advantage during the bike segment, and completed the event with a steady run, overcoming the physical demands of the course.
"It was a really nice experience because I could see the coral underwater, and then it was really windy," Quiambao reflected, emphasizing the island's stunning scenery.
She noted the unique beauty of Camiguin, known for its volcanoes, hot springs, and beaches, which helped keep her motivated throughout the race.
Despite feeling fatigued, Quiambao appreciated the energy from the crowd during the run, which pushed her to excel. "Overall, I recommend this race to everyone," she added.