D’Andrade edges Johnson to win Kiss 5k in Trinidad

It was a one-two finish Saturday for Guyanese athletes Lionel D’Andrade and Kelvin Johnson in the fourth series of the Kiss Company 5k races in Trinidad with  D’Andrade edging compatriot Johnson by the narrowest of margin for first place.

Lionel D'Andrade
Lionel D'Andrade

According to D’Andrade, he clocked 14:54.88s, his personal best, while Johnson, who crossed the line with him clocked 14:54.89s.

“We ran in together, it was like we tied but they gave me first [place],” D’Andrade told Stabroek Sport via telephone yesterday.

D’Andrade said that of all the 5k routes that he had run so far, last Saturday’s had been the best.

“It was a real good route, it was flat and ordinary, so I had not problem,” he said.

According to D’Andrade, former Olympic long distance runner Pamenos Ballentyne of St Vincent, who also resides and trains in Trinidad, did not participate in the race.

After spending most of the track season competing in the neighbouring twin-island republic, D’Andrade said that he intended to participate in the Suriname marathon event in November.

He revealed that he was currently doing speed work adding that although he is preparing for the South American 10k trails; his main focus was the Suriname Marathon.