DEFENDING champion Elias Tabac retained his title in the recently-concluded Visit Davao Summer Festival and the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Cruz-organized 10th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge held at Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The 24-year-old native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, who represented Team Tri-Buddies Tagum, finished the five-kilometer water tubing, 36.6km mountain biking, 53.5km trail running and 12km road running race in 10 hours, 56 minutes and 16 seconds to keep the open elite champion.
Tabac's teammate Juanito Mahinay (11:11.57), Rodel Villaver of Team Walwal (11:43.08), Rodel Bustamante of Team PRO 11 (12:25.35) and Dominador Garcia of Team Catba (12:46.36) grabbed the next four spots.
The back-to-back champion was also hailed as the fastest Summit runner with a total time of 2:22.26.
Consolation prize winners were Ireezbone Barrientos of Team LM3 (12:57.51), Christopher Eyao of Team Purple Health Hub (13:19.31) and Rodie Hormigas of Team PRO 11 (13:22.11).
Meanwhile, Team AMECC won the all-male relay title by clocking 8:58.42 while Team PNP PRO 11 (9:18.03) placed second and Team Tapa King (10:42.46) came third.
Team Hedcor, for its part, checked in at 15:25.12 to annex the all-female relay crown over Team PNP PRO 11 (17:46.26) and Team Kamikazee (18:17.20).
Special awards were also given to Eyao (fastest water tuber), Villaver (fastest mountain biker), Mahinay (fastest runner) and Peter Turnuas (sportsmanship award).
Cash prizes were awarded to the winners courtesy of VDSF and other private sponsors.