Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines – More than a hundred young runners, including 50 Aeta kids, took part in the inaugural Pho3nix Kids Philippines held at Fontana Leisure Parks here on March 18, 2023.
A total of 150 kids aged between 8 to 17 years old participated in various age-appropriate duathlon and fun run distances, crossing the finish line to the cheers of the enthusiastic crowd.
The Pho3nix Kids Philippines aims to promote sports participation among children by providing a fun and exciting way for them to stay active.
The Pho3nix Kids Philippines declared winners in different age categories, featuring participants aged 8 to 17 years old competing in various duathlon and fun run distances.
Pia Gito emerged as the winner of the Female 8-9 years old advanced duathlon category, completing the 3-kilometer bike and 800-meter run with a total time of 26:55 seconds. In the Male 10-11 years old category, Lucas Sebastian Sarmenta finished the 5-kilometer bike and 1.5-kilometer run in 37:16 to claim victory.
Meanwhile, Kjalem McTheodore Aquino dominated the Male 12-13 years old category, securing the top spot with a total time of 20 minutes and 19 seconds, followed by Archie Melendes and Julio Andres Tayag completing the 5-kilometer bike and 1.5-kilometer run in 23 minutes and 59 seconds and 24 minutes and 14 seconds, respectively.
In the Male 14–15-year-old category, James Bryant Jimeno, ranked first with a total time of 0:37:16 after completing the bike in 0:20:20 and the run in 0:16:57. Marcus Castillo, ranked second with a total time of 0:37:31 after completing the bike in 0:22:14 and the run in 0:15:17. Giro Don Rafael Gito, ranked third with a total time of 0:37:37 after completing the bike in 0:22:16 and the run in 0:15:21.
“I was blown away by the energy and enthusiasm of everyone who participated in the inaugural Pho3nix Kids Philippines Race,” said Roman Floesser, regional director for Asia and general manager for operations of Mana Sports and Entertainment Group.
“Seeing so many young athletes embracing a healthy lifestyle was truly inspiring, and we’re excited to continue promoting fitness and wellness through future events and initiatives.”
For his part, Jumbo Tayag, GoClark Sports and Events race director, expressed his excitement about the turnout of the Pho3nix Kids Philippines.
“The success of the Pho3nix Kids Philippines is a testament to the growing interest in promoting fitness and healthy living among kids and teenagers,” said Tayag.
The success of the event was made possible mainly by the initiative of The Pho3nix Foundation and through the support of local partners Fontana Leisure Parks, Clark Development Corporation, BCDA, school partners Air Force City Elementary School and Air Force High School.
The organizers hope that the Pho3nix Kids Philippines Fun Run will become an annual tradition that encourages more children, including those from marginalized communities like the Aeta kids, to participate in the event and lead an active lifestyle. The next series is scheduled to happen on April 15, 2023.
