After 13 weeks of grueling eliminations, the PATAFA Weekly Relay Series reached its climax with the holding of the finals last weekend at the Philsports Track and Field Oval supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and CELLogistics, Inc.

Two days of top level competition among the best of the best in various categories (Open/Elite, Juniors U20 and Youth U18) for both men and women. These are athletes preparing for the various competitions here and abroad within the next few months.

Emerging as the top team of the series in the Men’s and Women’s Open/Elite category was Far Eastern University with a total of 36 gold, 32 silver and 34 bronze medals.

National University grabbed second in the Men’s division while Team Iskolar of Calamba City took runner-up honors in the Women’s. Third place in the Men’s division was snatched by University of the Philippines-Diliman, as University of Santo Tomas took the Women’s competitions.

Adamson, University of Santo Tomas and University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta brought home first, second and third, respectively in the Men’s Juniors U20. In the distaff side University of Santo Tomas, the Muntinlupa Emeralds and Bulacan State University came in as top three.

The Youth U18 category saw University of Santo Tomas bagging top honors with Adamson and Pasig City following in second and third place in the Men’s division while University of the East, Muntinlupa Emeralds and Team Iskolar-Calamba City ended up 1-2-3 in the Women’s division.

On the individual side John Christopher Tolentino, the full-blooded Filipino based in Spain, did not disappoint with an overpowering performance in his pet 110m hurdles event crossing the wire by almost half-a-second ahead of the next competitor.

According to PATAFA Secretary General Edward Kho, Tolentino’s 14.17-second clocking was a respectable output considering it is considered to be the pre-season in Spain’s track calendar.

“In behalf of CEL Logistics I wish to congratulate all the winners and participants for giving their all over the past few months. Special thanks to the Philippine Sports Commission and the other sponsors or making this grand event happen,” CEL Assistant Vice President Anton Capistrano said.

 “I would also like to commend the good job of the PATAFA and their table and field officials as CEL supports endeavors such as this as part of nation building,” he added.