New route for TT marathon

The race which replaces the Clico International Marathon will also take place on Sunday. Race organiser, Diane Henderson revealed that the marathon will start at St Mary’s Village in Freeport and will finish at White Hall around the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. The marathon will commence at 5am with runners heading onto the Southern Main Road to Freeport, then to Curepe before heading to Port-of-Spain. Previously the race started at the Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas before going onto the streets of Chaguanas and finishing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Henderson explained that the route was used before, but the change was due to work taking place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the organisers also wanted to engage the community. There will also be a half marathon for runners who do not want to run the marathon.

“We knew that a lot of runners would not have been ready (for the marathon) so we threw in the half marathon which is a much shorter race. Both races (marathon and half marathon) will be held on Sunday and we have also decided to hold a 5K Road Race to be held on Saturday at the Savannah,” said Henderson yesterday. The half marathon will start in Caroni and finish at White Hall, while the 5K starts at Casual Corner and also finish at White Hall. The winner of the marathon will receive US$3,000, the runner-up US$1,500 and third place US$1,000. The winner of the half marathon and 5K will collect $2,000, runner-up $,500 and third $1,000. Sponsors are Ministry of Sport, Ocean Spray, Yoplait, Blue Waters and Gatorade. Kenyan runner Paul Wilshire and veteran TT runner Ronnie Holassie are expected to compete.