media_artricles :: 2017

Nero back with a bang in RBC 15k

Tonya Nero marked her return to local racing with a scintillating run to top the women's field and place second overall at the RBC Race for the Kids 15k yesterday. Meanwhile, after placing third in last weekend's NAAA's one-lap savannah run, Kelvin Johnson returned to win the 15k.

In many ways though, the spotlight belonged to Nero, not only because she beat ten other male runners, but also because she has returned a refreshed runner after a stint in the United States.

The race, which had it's start and finishing points in front of RBC's head office in St Clair, Port- of-Spain as Guyanese long distance runner Johnson, win in a time of 51:41.

Compared to last weekend's race though, he hardly had any competition to contend with. Shirvan Baboolal didn't compete this weekend and Curtis Cox suffered from stomach cramps for much of the race.

Cox finished uncharacteristically 17th overall in a time of 57:06. However, he has made it clear that he is training towards the UWI Half Marathon later this month and he won't be pushing his body to its limits before that.

In reality, Johnson was the only favourite in this race, and he cruised to victory.

Following him in, 38 seconds later was Nero. Whilst in Kansas for the last seven months, she dominated most of the marathons and middle distance races there, and Sunday's win was an easy one for her.

The second female to finish the race was Mercy Chebwogen, who actually cruised to victory in the ladies one-lap savannah run the weekend before. The Kenyan was hardly any match for Nero though, finishing just under three minutes slower.

Coming in third in the 15k was Jassette Bromfield in a time of 52:46.

In the 5k race, Colin Brumant eased to first place in a time of 17:08. Jediael Walters was 20 seconds behind him to finish second while Yalin Pan finished third. The first among the females in the 5k was April Francis, who ran a time of 21:20, finishing 23rd overall.

RYAN BACHOO

Top