media_artricles :: 2012

Holassie: T&T runners need more incentive

Trinidad and Tobago marathon record holder Ronnie Holassie was not a happy camper after reaching the T&T International Marathon (TTIM) finish line at Whitehall in fifth spot.

But according to the US-based athlete, it wasn't his placing that disappointed him.

In fact, Holassie was upset that none of T&T's top distance runners challenged for one of the top spots in the event.

"I would have liked to see a local, a West Indian person ahead of me," the veteran marathoner told the media following the race, "instead of four Kenyans. So it was disappointing to see how no local (was) competitive with four Kenyans. I'm not sure what happened with this race.

"I didn't see the top local runners like Curtis Cox and Richard Jones. I don't know what transpired. I didn't see the Guyanese, I didn't see the St Lucians, I didn't see the Barbadians."

Cox, as did many of the marathon regulars, opted for the half-marathon this time around. The overall field increased this year to just under 400 runners, and more than half of that figure competed in the half-marathon. The rest were early starters, or marathoners facing the starter.

Holassie said that he had only decided late to join the field for yesterday's marathon, and suggested other athletes might have had the same problem.

"It was a great race still," he said. "I'll be coming back to do this race again, but it's unfortunate to see four Kenyans, and we didn't see any local guys up there trying to compete for the first prize."

Holassie said he enjoyed a good start to the race, as he stayed with the lead pack past the 16-mile mark. He said however, that he did not feel fully fit, and faded towards the end.

He criticised the organisers' decision, however, to invite a number of African runners, and said more incentives are needed for local runners to improve.

"If (locals) cannot compete with the Kenyans, why did you bring four Kenyans for the top six prizes?" Holassie asked.

"You didn't look out for the locals. I don't care about you (wanting) to keep up the standard. Bring in two Kenyans, and 2:29.00 is (a) good, competitive (time), but focus on the local runners."

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