Local road runners will be looking to mirror their success tomorrow following their outstanding performances during the first leg of the South American 10K which was staged last Sunday in Suriname.
On the streets of Paramaribo, the trio of Winston Missigher, Cleveland Thomas and Jonathan Fagundes swept the podium while Sheama Tyrell and Kissanna Glenn finished 1-2 on the distaff side.
Tomorrow on the asphalt of Georgetown, the five athletes will be gunning for the podium spots once again during the 17th staging of the event in the 592.
However, according to President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, numerous international athletes including Kenyans will invade these shores on a quest to run away with the lucrative spoils.
Last year’s winner, distance dynamo, Cleveland Forde will also be competing with the top podium spot on his radar.
Hutson told Stabroek Sport yesterday that based on the information received from his counterparts from the continents of South America, North America, Africa and the Caribbean, some of the top and well-known road running athletes are readying themselves to compete in Guyana, where the winner of the male and female category, along with cash incentives, will be awarded a ‘real gold’ medal.
“The competition will be a lot stiffer” said Hutson.
He also disclosed that with the aid of the Guyana Police Force, the entire 10K rout will be closed off to vehicular traffic. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed.
Hutson further disclosed that Banks DIH Limited is a major sponsor of the event.
The race will start on CARIFESTA Avenue from 15:00 hrs at the GTT 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. See you there. (Emmerson Campbell)
