Kenyan runner gunning for Ballantyne

KENYAN runner John Muruiki, winner of the 2002 CLICO Trinidad and Tobago International Mara-thon is returning for this year’s race with revenge on his mind. According to chairman of the marathon committee, Raffique Shah, record breaking Dane Gitte Karlshoej will also be coming to defend her title along with runner-up Joanna Gront of Poland. Muruiki, soundly beaten by Caribbean long distance king Pamenos Ballantyne in last year’s 21st edition of the race in record time, has been in serious training, running a series of half-marathons this year.

But Ballantyne, who had a turbulent 2003 following his triumph in the 26.2 mile event, drawing a ban from his St Vincent and the Grena-dines Amateur Athletic As-sociation, has been under the weather lately with influenza. Despite this, he is expected to be at the starting line at Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas. Shah said yesterday, everything for the marathon is on stream to date and he was expecting approximately 450 runners for the race including several from the United States. He said registration is keeping apace, but however, there will be a cut-off point of 1200 runners for the 5k which is run simultaneously with the marathon. Registration fee for the marathon is $25 for Caribbean entrants and US$25 for non-Caribbean runners. For the 5k race which begins at St Clair Avenue, the entrance fee is $15 adults and $10 for students.