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D’Andrade ready to take on the best today

Jan 25, 2009 Sports

By Edison Jefford
A special performance from Guyana’s Lionel D’Andrade is required today in the CLICO Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon to pose a serious challenge to defending champion, Kenyan Simon Sawe.
Apart from Sawe and seven–time winner, Pamenos Ballantyne, D’Andrade has to mark the threat of United States–based Trinidad and Tobago record holder, Ronnie Holassie, who will also compete in the Marathon today.
D’Andrade told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that he is fit and ready to take on the best in the marquee race. He said his intention is to place among the top three and thrash Guyana’s national marathon record in the process.
United States–based former national distance runner, Andrew Smith is the proud holder of Guyana’s national marathon record with a 2:25.02 time set in Louisville, USA in 2004. D’Andrade believes he can run 2:24.00 today.
If D’Andrade runs that time he will certainly be as competitive to enter the top fray of the race since a star–studded field has descended in the Twin Island Republic for the event that has been dubbed ‘the region’s best distance event’.
Though veteran Trinidadian athlete Curtis Cox was earmarked to win the event this year after his 2005 triumph, he won’t be a worry for D’Andrade, who has consistently beaten Cox while campaigning in Trinidad.
Along with Cox, Trinidad’s hope rests with the relaxed Richard Jones and experienced Kenrick Williams. D’Andrade had an outstanding season competing in the 10k road races against both athletes last year in the Caribbean.
Kenyans Stephen Tanui, Albert Omboga and Sammy Kosgei are all expected to feature in today’s race. The Kenyans are perhaps the smartest distance runners in the world after mastering the art of ‘gang running’ in collusion.
Ballantyne is chasing his eighth victory on the local course while Holassie searches for a maiden triumph, although he finished second to Ballantyne twice (1998 and 2000). He was third on two occasions and fourth last year.
D’Andrade finished eight in his inaugural Trinidad Marathon last year and third in the Suriname Marathon later in the year. According to him, he feels more comfortable on marathon courses as opposed to 10k and 5km courses.
As late as Friday evening, defending women’s champion, Caroline Katam Chemwolo had not been confirmed to participate. But that would not affect the presence of the Kenyans in the women’s version of the race.
Mexico–based Kenyan Monica Muthoni and former double Trinidad Marathon winners, Mary Akor (2006 and 2007) and Joanna Gront–Chmiel (2004 and 2005) are tipped to provide the biggest test to the local women.
Last year’s runner–up Christine Regis, as well as Tracy Carter and Leisl Pukerin, all of Trinidad and Tobago should give strong performances in the race. At least the entire island expects them to represent for ‘Soca Land’.
Up to press time yesterday, the event had attracted about 400 applicants: 100 for the 3:30 am 5km run and the remainder competing at the official 5:30 am start of the CLICO event that has chosen diabetes as its charity.
The official 26.2 mile course, which was certified last year, starts at Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas and ends at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

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