CAPAS, TARLAC — The fire in runners’ hearts burned intensely despite the cold, rainy day. Athletes from all over the Philippines – be it at the amateur or elite level – were summoned to conquer this year’s daunting Spartan Stadion held at the NCC Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Vitalified Spartans entered the race as hungry as ever, and they mustered all their strength to unleash their sheer skills and grit to overcome the muddy terrain and all 20 obstacles that were in their way.

Embracing the "Man in the Arena" mantra, the Vitalified Spartans team worked in silence and let success speak for themselves as they achieved podium finishes in different categories.

Female AG (40-44)

1. Gay “Gigi” Magadan - 1st place - 50:55
2. Clari Gallardo - 2nd place - 54:31

Female AG (25-29)

1. Abby Narvaez - 2nd place - 55:08

Female AG (45-49)

1. Lyra Valles - 2nd place - 1:00:04

Male AG (25-29)

1. Mitchelle Ayawon - 3rd place - 36:45

Male AG (30-34)

1. Rex Abian - 2nd place - 39:21
2. Cedrick Ducayag - 3rd place - 40:53

In addition, one of our Elite contenders never failed to amaze, as Jordan Paul Billones finished in 10th place out of 34 racers in the Male Elite Category.

He logged a time of just 36:36.

At least 3 other racers from the team bravely competed in the formidable Elite Category:

1. Salvador William Ware 21st Place (Elite) Time: 48:19
2. Angelo Miguel Casubha 28th Place (Elite) Time: 1:08:15
3. Mark Jucutan 31st Place (Elite) Time: 1:35:14

The team also produced 4 finishers in the top 3 in the Open Category:

Female Open (45-49)

1. Rowena Ajero - 3rd place - 1:43:41

Female Open (50-54)

1. Audrey Tan - 1st place - 1:31:43
2. Elizabeth Co - 2nd place - 1:51:18

Male Open (25-29)

1. Sheldon Jose - 2nd place - 51:11

Here are other Vitalified Spartans who cracked the top ten in their categories:

Female AG(18-24)

1. Victoria Emmanuel Angeles - 10th place

Female AG (40-44)

1. Mylyn Cid - 7th place
2. Maria Roa Tansiking - 8th place

Female AG (45-49)

1. Vaughn Gumabon - 5th place
2. Marisol Encarnacion - 6th place
3. Rosana Real - 9th place

Female AG (50-54)

1. Lucille Bunagan - 4th place
2. Rhoda Oporto - 6th place

Male AG (25-29)

1. Archie Patubo - 6th place
2. Spen Manlangit - 7th place

Male AG (35-39)

1. Anton Damasig - 4th place

Male AG (40-44)

1. Kerwin Refe - 5th place
2. Alvin Capulong - 6th place

Male AG (50-54)

1. Michael Galvez - 7th place

Female Open (18-24)

1. Nicole Pastor - 6th place

Female Open (25-29)

1. Marie Toni Subaldo - 7th place
2. May Dominique Burgos - 8th place

Female Open (30-34)

1. Jezra Morales - 7th place

Female Open (45-49)

1. Lorielyn Agustin - 5th place
2. Melygin Evangelista - 6th place

Male Open (35-39)

1. Anton Damasig - 10th place

Cheers to the entire team who defied limits and achieved greatness at Spartan Stadion 2023! — Gellie Paredes, The Pacer