The Philippine mixed team relay claimed a silver medal in the duathlon competitions of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at Laem Mae Phim Beach in Rayong, Thailand. Erika Burgos, Maynard Pecson, Merry Joy Trupa, and Franklin Ferdie Yee combined for a time of 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 35 seconds.

The Filipinos vaulted into the podium after running as low as fourth midway through the race. Their late push proved decisive against a competitive regional field.

The team stayed within striking distance before Trupa delivered a pivotal third leg. She clocked the fastest split of the competition at 24:26, pulling the Philippines firmly into medal contention.

Yee then anchored the relay with the second-best closing leg time of 23:18. His effort sealed the silver in the race that followed a 2-kilometer run, 8-kilometer bike, and 1-kilometer run format.

Indonesia’s quartet of Martina Ayu Pratiwi, Azizah Khunsul Qotimah, Ronald Bintang Setiawan, and Alias Praji captured the gold in 1:33:58. Singapore finished third with a time of 1:36:47.

Late surge delivers podium finish

The silver capped a mixed day for the Philippine duathlon squad at the SEA Games. Both the women’s and men’s team relay entries finished fourth, narrowly missing the podium.

Burgos was involved in a crash during the bike leg of the women’s relay. The incident stalled the medal bid of the team composed of Burgos, Kim Mangrobang, and Trupa.

The men’s relay team, made up of Yee, Pecson, and John Patrick Ciron, also stayed competitive throughout the race. They ultimately settled just outside the medals.

Triathlon events near close

The duathlon results came a day after the Philippines swept all three triathlon relay events. The performances underscored the country’s growing strength in multisport competitions.

The SEA Games triathlon program concludes Friday with the individual races. Fer Casares will defend his men’s division crown.