CAPAS, Tarlac – Walking for 10,000m is by no means a walk in the park, let alone do it on a hot and humid Wednesday morning, May 1, at the New Clark City Stadium here.

For one, University of the Philippines Diliman stalwart Juliana Talaro, even had to submit herself to strenuous conditions months before just to make herself acclimated and yet, it still took almost every ounce of power and determination from her to survive the punishing race.

But it was certainly worth it as she bagged the first gold medal in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships after ruling the women’s open 10,000m walk race – her third crown in as many years joining the annual trackfest.

She clocked 55 minutes and 57.21 seconds to once again rule the race she topped during the National Open’s edition in 2023 in Ilagan City, Isabela and in 2024 in Pasig City.

But unlike in her two previous races where it was usually scheduled in the evening, the 10,000m walk was done in the morning when the temperature was only starting to rise.

“Mas mahirap po ngayon kasi sobrang init,” said Talaro, still drenched in sweat after the race.

“Tapos mas malakas po talaga ako ng hapon at ng gabi. Lumalabas din po yung lakas ko doon. And then, mas malamig din po kasi. Mas gising yung diwa po kapag hapon siya,” she added.

Still her time was better than the previous edition where she clocked around 59 minutes although she stressed that that would not be possible if not for her training routine where she purposely exposed herself to the environmental conditions of the race.

“Sinanay ko po talaga yung sarili ko sa umaga. Tapos nagbibilad po kami hanggang 9 a.m. kaya rin po siguro medyo nasanay na sa init,” she added.

Azeneth Serat from University of the Santo Tomas came in second with a 56:51.91 time while Sep Blessee Placido from University of the East placed third with 57:59.90.

Serat actually led for the majority of the race before Talaro took off in the last 2,500 meters to bag the win.

“Sabi ko last 5 laps na lang po naman. Tapos ayoko nang bumitaw. Pero nilapitan ko pa rin po. Sinubukan ko pwede dumikit pa rin kahit mga 50 meters lang. And then, nag-recover po ako sabay po. Tapos ako naka-recover, last 2 laps po,” recalled Talaro.

Also bagging the gold medal in the other morning races was Wenniel Simba in the men’s u18 5,000m walk with a 27:27.04 time.

He bested Muntinlupa Athletics teammate Rain Mabelin, who placed second with a 27:29.04 time, and City of Binan trackster John Jaycee Reyes who secured the third spot in 27:52.24 time.