Winston Messenger and Cleveland Thomas know that when it comes to today’s AINLIM 10K road race, they are not among the favourite to win it all.
That honour resides with Cleveland Forde, or the `Little Kenyan’ as he is affectionately called.
Forde is easily the top long distance runner in Guyana. Of that, there is no dispute. It is not that he cannot be beaten; it is just that beating him will be difficult. Then there is Dennis Horatio. Horatio’s credentials, though not as impressive as Forde’s is still a bit better than those of Thomas and Messenger. But sports is about performing on the day and not competing against names, big or otherwise.
And that is why, as the track season winds down and the offseason is about to commence, today’s AINLIM 10 kilometres road race, the first such event this year, is of such significance.
With the individual cash prizes as high as $75,000 in the male category it is expected that a wide array of talent will compete for the cash and the bragging rights that come with such prestigious wins.
The event will commence at 6am this morning at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.
Thomas, who is no slouch, is consistently in the top five at 10km events in Guyana and will be one to watch.
Known mainly for his middle distance running in the 800 and the 1500 metres events, Thomas often goes unrecognized until he displays the potential he has on the track with brilliant runs in the middle distance events.
The Running Brave star will again be flying under the radar as he attempts to upstage the likes of Forde and Horatio.
“Well I’m feeling ready and the main thing is that I’m fit and ready,” he told Stabroek Sport. “Preparations were good and I was able to do some real work with my training partners.
“I’m in a much better position than I was last year… so I should do better this year,” Thomas said on Friday.
Thomas’ partner Messenger, will have something to prove once he steps to the starting line this morning.
He has quietly been taking silver or bronze medals behind both Forde and Horatio at the 5000 metres distance on the track while doing some reasonable times.
Whether or not he can make the transition from that event to the road will be another story as he is yet to showcase the drive to be the best at his event.
However, the 22-year-old will be looking to make a statement as he believes that he can be in the top five today.
“Well I’m feeling alright, preparations have been going well and I’m looking to finish in the top five of my category because that will be good for me,” Messenger told Stabroek Sport. But with the likes of Forde and Horatio looking for the top prize, the Running Brave Athletic Club teammates Messenger and Thomas will have their work cut out if they are to upstage either of the two favourites for today’s event.
