An amputee, a former jeepney driver and a former security guard came out with more than memorable experiences of competing in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Challenge yesterday.
Raul Angoluam, who is an amputee, said his love for the sport inspired him to join the mixed relay division.
“Despite my situation, kahit na sila ay mga able, kahit ganito ang kalagayan namin, kaya namin makipagsabayan sa mga able (Despite our condition, we can compete against able athletes),” he said.
A differently-abled man rejoice after crossing the finish line a few steps behind actor Matteo Guidicelli who is hugged by celebrity girlfriend Sarah Geronimo. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Angoluam said he always gives his best in every race he joins.
Another competitor, former jeepney-driver-turned-coach Elmo Clarabal finished 10th place in the Filipino Elite Male category with a time of four hours, 44 minutes and 45 seconds.
MORE PHOTOS OF COBRA IRONMAN 70.3
Clarabal trained popular young actor Matteo Guidicelli and Team Ford for the event yesterday.
“I was a jeepney operator but I am now a coach,” he said. Clarabal has been competing in triathlons for the past eight years.
For events like the Cobra Ironman, Clarabal advised aspiring triathletes to get a trainer. “The sport isn’t a trial-and-error activity,” he said.
Clarabal also did the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Extra Mile Challenge to help the students of Manipis Elementary School.
The challenge requires participants to run another 1.3 km after finishing the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike ride and 21-km run.
Each competitor can raise P1,000 on joining the challenge for the Manipis Elementary School students.
For his part, former security guard and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Roel “Akiyama” Rosauro said the Cobra Ironman 70.3 challenge is a great training ground for his upcoming MMA fights.
Rosauro, who trains at Yawyan ArDigma Cebu, started doing triathlons this year during a Tabuelan event. /UP Cebu Intern Mary Claire U. Catado and Correspondent John Carlo Villaruel