Thomas evades Giddings to win Cross Country race

Feb 04, 2013 Sports

The surging Cleveland Thomas evaded strong challenges from the consistent Nathaniel Giddings yesterday on the outer grass circuit of the National Park to win the senior male race in the season opening Athletics Association of Guyana Cross Country race.

Taking Command! Cleveland Thomas (right) takes command of the senior men’s race yesterday at the National Park Circuit as Nathaniel Giddings and Devon Barrington stay on his heels in the 2013 season opening event.

Running Braves’, Thomas sprinted home in 25:46.77 ahead of Upper Demerara’s, Giddings, who returned 25:50.5 for second and Police Progressive Youth Club’s Dennis Horatio (27:35.96) after he took command early in the 8km race.
Thomas was heavily challenged throughout the race with talented athlete, Devon Barrington also in the hunt early. However, Barrington dropped off the pace and finished fifth. Defending champ in the male race, Cleveland Forde did not compete owed a groin injury.
Forde told Kaieteur Sport that he is doing light work and expects to be back competing sometime next month. He said that he would have liked to defend his title, but unfortunately he will not put being out for the rest of the season at risk and thus opted out.
Alika Morgan won the senior female 6km race in 11:24.6 with Guyana Defence Force’s, Ashanti Scott finishing second in 12:02.3 and Carlissa Atkinson (13:03.9) third. Andrea Foster won the 4km junior race in 11:34.9 while Jevina Straker (11:53.9) placed second; Adama Roberts (12:03) finished third.
In male youth race, Grivon Grant won in 22:56.4, while Kevin Nicholas placed second in 23:29.0 and Ornesto Thomas (23:42.7) third. Orlando Adams took the male youth race ahead of Kwesi Blair and Leandre Archer respectively. Delicia Harper (10:29) was the female 3km youth winner ahead of Cassey George (11:23.35) and Cassie Kirton (11:40.29) respectively.
The Cross Country race is usually the qualifying race for the North American, Central American and Caribbean Cross Country race that is usually held in Trinidad and Tobago. (Edison Jefford)