The Rising Stars Independence 5K event runs off on Monday and Kenyan athlete, Godfrey Mbihia, threw down the gauntlet to local racers yesterday.
These and other details were disclosed during the formal launch of the third edition of the annual fixture yesterday at the GCC pavilion.
According to the organisers, lucrative cash prizes and an array of other incentives will be up for grabs.
Race coordinator Leslie Blacks disclosed that the race gets underway at 16:00hrs in the National Park and caters for seasoned and casual runners from as young as 10 years to Masters.
Blacks further revealed that over $800,000 has been pumped into the event compliments of sponsors which include the Guyana Committee of Services (GCOS), Guybisco, ANSA McAL, the Ministry of the Presidency, BK International, Brans Security and Cummings Electrical.
Meanwhile, Mbihia said, “It’s a pleasure to be here in Guyana” and boasted that he traveled to the 592 with his sights set on pole position.
Mbihia, who has raced in Europe and North America, will be raring to go, after winning the C to C 5k race in Trinidad & Tobago last weekend.
The Kenyan standout encouraged all and sundry to attend while maintaining that the local road runners will provide him with fierce competition.
“May the best man win on Monday,” he said.
Meantime, Marketing Coordinator of Guybisco, Colis Venture along with members of the GCOS, Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones and Clive Atwell, urged track and field enthusiasts to support with their presence as Guyana celebrates its 53rd year of Independence.