Young Dreams and Hard-Earned Triumphs at the Damosa Land 5150 Samal

Samal Island, Philippines (21 September 2025) – With turquoise waters, scenic coastal roads, and tree-lined run paths as their stage, two athletes emerged as champions in the debut of the Damosa Land 5150 Samal. Twenty-year-old Eryk Omandam and 32-year-old Natasha Doromal-Lim claimed the men’s and women’s overall titles, embodying the spirit of perseverance and possibility.

5150 Samuel Overall Champion Eryk Omandam. Photo by Jun Mendoza

For Omandam, a third-year Human Resource Management student at the University of Mindanao, victory came from a mix of youthful energy and steady focus. Fresh off a solid showing at IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, he surged to the men’s crown in 2:20:24. “The bike was manageable but tough because you never know what’s coming. But during the run, I realized I was in a good position because no one was close behind,” he shared, smiling at the thought of outpacing seasoned competitors.

5150 Samuel Female Champion Natasha Doromal Lim. Photo by Jun Mendoza

Lim’s win was a story of patience and persistence. After five attempts at the 5150 distance, she finally broke through, clocking 2:47:33 and securing both the women’s overall title and her 30–34 age group crown. “I’ve been preparing for two years now,” said Lim. “The swim was tricky with the current, and the bike was demanding, but the run was almost perfect—flat, shaded, and steady.” Her triumph reflected not just the finish line but the long journey that led her there.

The race, which drew more than 1,100 athletes from across the Philippines and abroad, was as much a celebration of the island lifestyle as it was a competition. From shaded run stretches to cheering locals lining the roads, every athlete experienced the blend of challenge and charm that Samal has to offer.

It wasn’t just the overall winners who shone. Age-group champions from Hong Kong to Japan, and rising stars like Christiano Tiongko and Ann Marie Tigullo in the Sunrise Sprint, highlighted the sport’s diversity and future. Relay teams added another layer of camaraderie, proving that triathlon can be both personal and shared.

In its first staging, the Damosa Land 5150 Samal delivered more than a race. It offered moments of triumph, discovery, and community—setting the tone for an event that promises to become a must-race destination in the years to come.

-TM