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D’Andrade, Johnson to compete in Wartsila 20km Classic
– Two athletes to beat in familiar road race format
Arguably Guyana’s most recognised names in distance-running in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago-based, Lionel D’Andrade and Kelvin Johnson will be competing in the upcoming mega Wartsila 20th Anniversary 20km Road Race Classic.
Lionel D’Andrade
The gruelling showdown, which will certainly be a challenge on the road with some international athletes also being invited, is set for March 2, beginning at Paradise, East Coast Demerara at 6am and finishing outside Wartsila Head Office in Kingston, Georgetown.
Speaking to Kaieteur Sport from Trinidad yesterday, D’Andrade confirmed his participation and that of Johnson, stating that they will be arriving in Guyana around February 28 to compete in the race they both hope to win, albeit, there can only be one winner.
“I am doing some rough training right now and I am working on my speed. I am pretty confident as you know, this is my format. I love half marathons and marathons,” D’Andrade said, adding that his competitors will have to be at their best to beat him.
The distance-running ace informed that he “prefer the longer distances” and believes it will be a relatively “flat” course, which should encourage a fast-paced race. D’Andrade stated that his endurance is “good” and his speed will be better in time.
Asked what his intentions are in terms of time in the race, D’Andrade said that he wants to turn in around 1:07 and 1:08, which should give him the win; he said that his training-partner Johnson should be a handful in the race,
Kelvin Johnson
having beaten him in Trinidad.
Johnson won the Trinidad and Tobago International Half Marathon last month with D’Andrade finishing second. Johnson won that race in 1:15.17 ahead of D’Andrade, who had won last year and the year before. They are very familiar with the 20km format.
While there has been a spate of 10km road races in Guyana, athletes have not been exposed to the longer and more tactical 20km road race. D’Andrade and Johnson have had great success in the distance in the Caribbean, making them two to beat in the event.
The overall winner in the Open Male category will pocket $300,000 while second through sixth takes home $240,000, $200,000, $140,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The same prizes will be awarded in the Open Female category of the race.
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