Cox eyes second marathon victory

IT MAY not attract the largest turn-out of competitors at the CLICO International Mar-athon today, but one thing is sure — it is likely to be the fastest race ever. Top contender is defending champion Curtis Cox who has been training seriously for the big event while his closest challenger John Muriiki of Kenya is eager to add another marathon title to his name. Pamenos Ballentyne, the region’s top long distance runner from St Vincent and the Grenadines  has been struggling to find the form which earned him five victories in the region’s biggest event in the past.

And the sprinkling of little-known Venezuelans, Jamaicans, Guyanese and Trinidad and Tobago runners are hoping to make their mark in the event. Cox however is the top TT marathoner in the event since US-based Ronnie Holassie opted out. Last year Cox became the first Trinidad and Tobago runner in 11 years to win the race when he returned a time of two hours, 24 minutes and 21 seconds. Among the women will be Poland’s Joanna Chmiel, formerly Gront who last set a new record in the 26.1 mile race from Chaguanas to Port-of-Spain. She set a personal best record of two hours, 47 minutes and 17 seconds in the women’s category. Chmiel has won the event on three occasions, but is expected to face strong competition this year.

Denmark’s Gitte Karlshoj will also be among the top challengers along with Trinidad and Tobago’s Pillar Mc Shine, Solange Griffith and Fedelia Ramirez. The runners will start in Chaguanas, proceed to Curepe along the Old Southern Main Road and head west into Port-of-Spain along the Eastern Main Road. They will then head to Cocorite and make a U-turn at the Westshore Medical Centre heading into St James, into Tragarete Road, turning left to Maraval Road towards the new finish line in front of Queen’s Royal College. The race begins at 5.30 am and will see close to 400 runners facing the starter. The 5K is expected to attract 1,500 runners.