Over 50 of the best local, regional and South American distance athletes are set to match strides on the streets of Georgetown on November 4 during the second leg of this year’s South American 10K road race.
These and other details were disclosed yesterday at Thirst Park during the launch of the 16th edition of the prestigious annual fixture.
As customary, Suriname will host the first leg – on Sunday, October 28 – while the athletes will take their talents to Panama a week after Guyana’s leg – on November 11 – where the curtains will come down on the three-stage event.
According to President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson, based on the information received from his counterparts in South America and the Caribbean, some of the top and well-known athletes are readying themselves to compete in Guyana, where the winner of the male and female categories, along with cash incentives, will be awarded a ‘real gold’ medal.
It was also disclosed that with the aid of the Guyana Police Force, the entire 10K route will be closed to vehicular traffic. Only authorised vehicles will be allowed.
Meanwhile, Communications Officer of Banks DIH Limited Troy Peters, who was part of the local organising committee for the inaugural South American 10K road race, observed that the event is one of the most important ones for distance athletes in Guyana, since, for many, it provides a platform where they are able to compete with the best on the South American continent and in the Caribbean.
Peters said that as a company, Banks DIH is always willing to support the event, and this year, will be hydrating athletes and officials with their Banks Malta and award-winning Rainforest Water brands.
The race will start on CARIFESTA Avenue from 4pm at the GT&T Earth Station. From there, the athletes will proceed onto the Rupert Craig High, make a u-turn at the University of Guyana junction, and will then head onto the Kitty Public Road, into Vlissengen Road, onto Thomas Lands and into the National Park for the finish.
