Kenyan athletes Alex Ekesa and Veronica Jepkostei came, saw and conquered.
The ace runners brought their talents to the 592 and ran away with the spoils of the second leg of the South American 10k road race yesterday.
Ekesa finished the race, which started on Carifesta Avenue, proceeded to the University of Guyana and returned to the National Park for the conclusion, in an official time of 32 minutes and 43 seconds.
The 37-year-old led first leg winner, Guyana’s own Winston Missigher (32.57s), and Shrivan Baboolall (33.18s) of Trinidad onto the podium.
Seasoned campaigners Trinidadian Matthew Hagley (33.24s) and Junior Ashton (33.51s) of St Vincent finished fourth and fifth in that order.
Ekesa and Missigher created separation from the top six breakaway group at the 4km mark and never looked back. The pair ran together until the 8km mark where the strong Ekesa changed gears again and left the unresponsive Missigher in his rearview.
The Kenyan then easily went on solo to victory in his debut run in Guyana, albeit in hot, humid
conditions.
In a post-race interview, Ekesa, who has competed all across the globe, noted that he would entertain the idea of returning next year to defend his title. The proud Kenyan also said that the local athletes are full of potential but investments must be made in order for them to excel.
Meanwhile, Jepkostei emerged winner of the female category. Up to press time, her winning time was undetermined.
The 26-year-old led Linda McDowell of St Vincent, the Guyanese duo of Abidemi Charles and Sheama Tyrell, along with Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal into the top five. Only the heat seemingly gave her any opposition. Jepkostei also said that it would be her privilege to return next year and defend her title.
Ekesa and his countrywoman will return home richer by US$1,000 apiece, while the second placed runners received US$600 and the third spot fetched US$400. For their efforts, the Kenyan pair also pocketed real gold medals.
The third and final leg of the region’s most prolific annual 10k road race series will be staged on Sunday in Panama.
