University of the Philippines student Julianna Talaro breaks away from University of Santo Tomas’ Azeneth Serat during the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships women’s 10,000-meter walk race at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Thursday (May 1, 2025). Talaro clocked 55 minutes and 57.21 seconds to claim her third straight title. (Contributed photo)
CAPAS, TARLAC – University of the Philippines standout Juliana Talaro successfully defended her women’s 10,000-meter walk crown at the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships held Thursday at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium.
Talaro, 22, from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig, crossed the finish line in 55 minutes and 57.21 seconds to secure her third consecutive title in the event.
Azeneth Serat of the University of Santo Tomas took the silver with a time of 56:51.95, while Sep Blessee Placido of the University of the East came in third at 57:59.90.
“I really wanted to defend my title, and I’m glad I was able to do it,” said Talaro, who previously competed in the 20,000-meter walk at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Chengdu, China.
Talaro’s teammate, Mary Julianne Bayola, finished just outside the podium in fourth place with a time of 58:23.56.
In the men’s under-18 5,000-meter walk, the Muntinlupa Athletics Team delivered a strong performance with Wenniel Simba and Rain Mabeling finishing first and second, respectively. Simba clocked 27:27.04, narrowly beating Mabeling, the reigning 2024 champion, who finished in 27:29.95.
Jaycee Reyes of Biñan City, Laguna, rounded out the top three with a time of 27:52.94.
The championship event, backed by ICTSI Foundation, Inc., CEL Logistics, United Auctioneers Inc., Milo Philippines, and Pocari Sweat, serves as a qualifying meet for Filipino athletes aiming to compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December and the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain in October.
