D’Andrade sets new PB in Trinidad

Aug 25, 2008 Sports

$Lionel D\'Andrade$ – wins fourth Kiss 5km road run

By Edison Jefford
Local distance star, Lionel D’Andrade, campaigning in Trinidad and Tobago since April, set a new Personal Best (PB) time over 5km on Saturday in the fourth of a five–race Kiss Baking Company distance series.

D’Andrade edged local nemesis, Kelvin Johnson, to come away with the win in 14:54.88, which left Johnson one hundredths of a second behind with 14:54.89. Trinidad’s Jules La Rode was third in 15:09.00.

The Running Braves Athletics Club athlete erased his previous best time of 14:56.00, set two weeks ago. In that race, regional distance dynamo, Pamenos Ballantyne, won with D’Andrade finishing second and Johnson third.

“It was a flat and fast course. The race was good. I felt good throughout and got the push from Kelvin (Johnson),” D’Andrade told Kaieteur Sport yesterday from Trinidad and Tobago in a brief interview.

According to D’Andrade, the race did not attract the usual crowd support as the previous three races. He said the rainy weather was responsible for the poor turnout. The race, however, had approximately 62 competitors.

“Out of four races, I won two–got a second and a ninth. When I placed ninth I arrived late and started after everyone. I still managed to complete the course and came ninth out of a very strong field,” D’Andrade explained.

He said that he is currently undergoing a lot of speed work for two upcoming 5k runs on September 3 and 14 respectively, where the competition is expected to heighten. His focus is on further reducing his PB.

The final race of the Kiss 5k series is set for September 20 in Tobago. D’Andrade made it clear that his intention is to return to Guyana for the South American 10km road race trials, which he said is to be held on October 11.