Distance athlete Cleveland Thomas yesterday produced a stellar performance to win the Embassy of Mexico in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) 20-kilometre race in honour of Mexican athlete Jose Macias Luna.
The event, the first 20km race in approximately two decades to be held in Guyana, saw Thomas completing the distance in one hour, nine minutes and 12 seconds.
Kevin Bailey, 1hr 12m, was second in the historic event while Dahoo Shabazz, 1hr 15m, was third and Winston Messenger, 1hr 18m, fourth.
“It was my first time in five years running a 20k but I felt good because I’m doing a lot of work,” Thomas told Stabroek Sport about his run.
Thomas, whose only other 20k race was in Trinidad five years ago, spoke of the lack of competition at the event.
“Well it was an unchallenged one for me; no Dennis (Dennis Horatio), no Forde (Cleveland Forde) and Forde was the only one who could have given me a challenge,” Thomas stated.
The meet attracted a low turn out of 25 starters which included the lone female in distance queen Alika Morgan, who crossed the line in 1hr 24m.
Mexican ambassador Francisco Olquin and Macias Luna were among the 22 runners who finished the event which ended in front of the Mexican Embassy on Brickdam.
The meet was held in honor of Luna who reportedly holds the record for the most mileage in the world.
