-barely misses course record
Regional long distance maestro Cleveland Forde validated his reputation with a thrilling win at the Venture Credit Union 5km Road Race in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) yesterday morning.
Although the 27-year-old might have been exhausted after competing all last week at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Inter-Unit Track and Field Championships, he managed to dethrone the defending champion Richard Jones and win the event in under 15 minutes. Forde posted a winning time of 14 minutes, 47 seconds (14:47), just nine seconds off the event record.
“My legs were tired after all that running last week but it was a nice, close race; a really good race all in all and I am looking forward to running again next year,” Forde said.
The national 5000m and 1500m record holder also said that he felt that he has a pretty good chance of smashing the course record in next year’s edition of the race.
“Now that I know the course, I will go for the record the next time God willing… I think I can get that record,” Forde added. Had he broken that record, Forde would have been awarded TT$10,000 for his performance.
The race took place at 0700hrs yesterday morning in Couva, South Trinidad. According to Forde, the course was mostly flat and apart from the heat, the conditions were fairly favourable.
Mathew Hagley and 2011 champion Jones came second and third respectively.Guyanese Euleen Josiah placed second to Tonya Nero in the women’s edition of the race, while JenelleNedd placed third.Even though, Forde defeated the hometown athletes, he said that he was well accepted and appreciated by organisers and supporters. The former CARICOM 10km champion said that he always enjoys the sportsmanship, competitiveness and hospitality that he is treated to when competing in T&T.
