The Boyce/Jefford Classic is expected to get off to a blazing start as the fifth annual two-day meet will get under way today at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground at noon.
The premier track and field event on the Athletic Association of Guyana’s calendar will see the nation’s top athletes matching strides with overseas runners for a stake in the $2M prize money.
Co-founder of the Classic, Edison Jefford (the other is Colin Boyce) was excited of this weekend’s events yesterday.
“We have our biggest international participation since the inception of the meet in 2010.
With Trinidad here with two athletes, Mark London and Tonya Nero, US collegiate Surinamese sprinter, Danielle Clarke, US based Alita Moore and Brenessa Thompson, three athletes from Grenada arriving tonight and Josh Hamilton from St. Vincent, as an emerging event we can’t ask for better.
“I know our local athletes Winston George, Akeem Stewart and Tirana Mitchell will put on a show also”, Jefford added:“The excitement this weekend will come from the competition as we celebrate this fifth milestone in a grand way.”
In addition to the local rivalry, six international events will be staged: Long jump (male) Triple jump (female), 1500m (female), 200m (female), 400m (male) and the 800m (male).
The top three finishers of each of the above events will be awarded cash prizes, with the winner being rewarded with $50,000.
The winning club will pocket $600,000 with the runners up taking home $400,000, $250,000 and $150,000.
Notes: Tomorrow, athletes will get in the blocks at 14:00hrs. Admission is $500. Entertainment will be provided by Slingerz DJ Face with the Boom DJs passing through.
As customary, the champion male and female athlete will receive $50,000 and trophy. Athletes are allowed to enter a maximum of three events. On your marks.
