...the farmer's son

Pinoy farmer's son qualifies for Ironman Hawaii

abs-cbnNEWS.com

08/16/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte said on Tuesday that the province will be sponsoring a 24-year-old farmer’s son in the prestigious Ironman Kona Hawaii, the “holy grail” event of triathlon.

 

Villafuerte said Camarines Sur’s very own, Benjamin Raña, was able to qualify for Ironman Kona after competing in Philippine Ironman 70.3 held in the province.

The Philippine Ironman 70.3, which was topped by Aussie triathlete Pete Jacobs, got 30 slots in Ironman Kona.

"Ito na ang pinakamarami at [ang] maganda this year ay nagkaroon tayo ng 30 slots for Kona," he said.

Villafuerte said most athletes aspire to join the Kona event. Participants can only join the competition by invitation or by qualifying.

“Isa na doon sa nag-qualify ang taga Camarines Sur na anak ng farmer. Si Benjamin Raña… makakarating siya ng Hawaii, iisponsoran natin,” he told Anthony Taberna in dzMM's Dos por Dos program.

A total 1,150 people from 38 countries joined Philippine Ironman 70.3. Villafuerte said even senior citizens, including a 67-year-old Japanese, joined the event.