media_artricles :: 2018

Nero runs qualifying marathon in Dubai

Tonya Nero always challenges herself and makes good use on those opportunities as she did yesterday in the Dubai Marathon in qualifying for the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia.

"I feel great about qualifying. That was my main goal when I set out to run the marathon," said Nero after her eventful morning.

The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon winner took two hours, 47 minutes and 13 seconds (2:47.13) to complete the 19th running of the race, to finish 18th among the women and 53rd overall. Her time met the National Association of Athletic Administrations of T&T (NAAATT) standard of 2:50.00 for the Games, which is set from April 4-15.

"I made it out alive and I qualified to represent T&T at the Commonwealth Games in April," said Nero following the race on her facebook page, using the opportunity to thank the many persons, who aided in her success.

"Thanks to coach (Kirk) Hunter for sticking by me and preparing my workouts no matter what part of the world I'm in, Aries Sports Performance for my muscle strength, Rodney Mark for being my mental coach, the USC Gym, my loving family and all who has supported and continues to support. Thank you Dubai for a wonderful experience. To God be the glory."

Ethiopia's Mosinet Geremew set a new course record when he sprinted clear from a large group of his compatriots to win in the 10th fastest time over the distance.

The 25-year-old crossed the line in 2:04.02 ahead of Leul Gebresilase with last year's winner Tamirat Tola a further four seconds adrift as Ethiopians filled the first 10 places.

Geremew's personal best mark eclipsed the previous race record of 2:04:11 set by Tola in last year's victory, 63 seconds adrift of Dennis Kimetto's world record that the Kenyan set in Berlin in 2014.

In the women's race the first seven finishes were by the Ethiopians. Roza Dereje claimed the title in 2:19.17, also a new record and personal best for the Ethiopian runner. She finished ahead of compatriots Feyse Tadese (2:19:30), Yebrgual Melese (2:19:36) and last year's winner Worknesh Degefa. Though the defending champion bettered her personal best by more than two minutes, she could finish only fourth at 2:19:53. Fifth was Haftamnesh Tesfay in 2:20:13.

Nero returns home on Sunday night and will soon begin her preparation to develop her tactic of the for the Gold Coast marathon at Southport Broadwater Parklands.

"Thanks to everyone who continue to support," said the former T&T marathon women's champion. "A marathon is so tough and easy to give up on, but I'm always encouraged to never give up."

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