It was not the usual one, two but Guyana gained a first through Cleveland Forde and a second place finish by Alika Morgan at the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) South American Athletics Confederation 10 km Road Classic, yesterday.
Forde, who won the event last year, made it two wins in a row covering the distance in 32:44 seconds to cart off the US$1000 first prize.
A slight downpour affected the time of the event with Forde stating that he had to change his plans of running a fast race.
“It went well, but not exactly as I planned. The plan was to come out and try to run a bit faster but after it drizzled a bit and the road was wet I just decided to run a tactical race,” a still lively Forde told Stabroek Sport after the event.
“I thought I could look to a faster time but I’m just glad that I won the race,” he added.
And while defending champion Sueli Vieira did not take part, Brazil still continued its reign in the female category which was won by 2008 champion, Antonia DaSilva in 33:46s.
A sturdy competitor, DaSilva was the 16th finisher overall finishing ahead of Morgan, whose 41:10s saw her finishing 25th overall.
The Trinidad competitors enjoyed a good day.
In the male category Denzel Ramirez placed second in 32:52 to take the US600 prize while fellow Trinidadian Curtis Cox finished third in 33:14 seconds just ahead of Guyana’s Dennis Horatio who placed fourth in 334:09s.
In the female category Trinidadians Shermin Lasaldo (41:47s) and Celine Lestrade (42:23s), placed third and fourth respectively.
Forde, who produced a burst of speed in the final 200m of the race, said he was surprised by the challenge he received from Ramirez.
“I thought it would have been a little easier, I didn’t expect that from him, he ran well. I had to really run a smart race,” he said.
Morgan meanwhile said that she was satisfied with her performance as she was ill during the week.
“I am satisfied with how I performed because I didn’t come in the race at my 100% best, so I’m glad that I was at least able to finish the race and still do so well,” Morgan said.
On the rain-plagued day Brazil was the only visiting country that managed to etch in a top ranked position.
Guyana swept the first two places of the women’s masters’ category with Alisha Fortune placing first in 50:16s to cop the US$100 first place prize and Valerie Saul second copping the US$60 second place prize.
In the men’s masters’ category, Guyana’s Llewellyn Gardner won in 40:52s ahead of Julian Morris, 42:01 seconds and Kwame Bright (42:36s) third. The winners received $US100, US$60 and US40 respectively.
The 16 – 20 junior boys division was won by Guyana’s Nathaniel Giddings in 34:32s, Grivon Grant (36:45s) was second, and Quin George (36:57s) came third.
The girls’ equivalent was won by Onecia Bacchus (44:13s), Nicola Bobb (47:20s) was second and Janella Jonas (48:02s) came third.
At the end of the race the prize winners were presented with their trophies and prize monies.
