By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterWAINARD TALBERT of Holmwood Technical and Tacius Golding's Tamika Thomas led home last year's winners, Phillip Edwards of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Ebony's Arieta Martin in yesterday's RADIO 2 Kingston Half-Marathon.
In cool early morning conditions, Talbert won in a new course and personal record of one hour, 11 minutes and 17 seconds. The 19-year-old said, however, that he fell short of his own expectations.
"I wanted to achieve a much faster Half-Marathon time, like a one hour flat, but I know it's going to take hard work," Talbert pointed out. "By the time the Reggae Marathon (comes along) I think I can run an hour flat but it's going to take a lot of hard work and determination."
IMPRESSIVE TALBERT
The final year student at Holmwood caught up with the leaders after the 2K mark and never looked back. During the 31.1-mile event, the impressive Talbert looked easy, even against the 4x5K relay runners who could not keep up with his pace.
He travelled at a good pace throughout and was timed at 13:05.20 at the 4K, 33.11.59 at the half-way mark, leading Edwards (33.47.40) at this stage by 36 seconds. The 'King of the Road' opened the gap and when he turned off Washington Boulevard onto Molynes Road, he was all alone. At the 16K, he was timed in 54:36.40 and 1:01.52 at the 18K before going across Eastwood Park Road through Half-Way Tree and up Hope Road onto the lawns of Police Officer's Club, for
his first RADIO 2 Half-Marathon victory.
"This morning's Half-Marathon was very easy, because my preparation was geared towards this race," said Talbert, who left Police Officer's Club with $11,800, a weekend for two and a return airline ticket to Miami. He said on his way from Manchester, he told his coach, Edward Hector that he was going to beat everybody, including the relays boys.
Though losing his title, Edwards, who finished second in one hour, 12 minutes and 32 seconds, said he was happy with his performance.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
"This is a better race than last year for me, better by about three minutes. It was faster, but the pace was hot." He also praised Talbert, saying: "I am not taking anything away from Wainard (Talbert). He is a good runner and I see him reaching very far."
The top five was completed by Andrew Gutzmore of Ebony who was third in 1:12.35, Robert Watson who of Windalco (1:17.00) and Lamar Edwards of Tacius Golding (1:18.32). Meanwhile, Thomas, who was winning her first race this season, ran a smart race, also for $11,800, a return trip to Miami and a weekend for two. She finished in one hour, 29 minutes and 25 seconds to beat Martin.
"It's a very great feeling," Thomas said upon recording her first victory this season. "Arieta (Martin) is a good marathon runner and I feel good to know that I beat her." Thomas, who trailed Martin for the first quarter of the race, said she never gave up until she passed her at the 15K mark.
"From I passed her, I just pushed and that is where I knew I had the race won," explained Thomas.
Martin (1:31.57), who finished ahead of Windalco's Hilda Baker (1:46.21), Ann-Marie Shaw of Portmore Athletics Club (1:46.24) and Karlene Blagrove (1:53.55), said she was not at her best.
SLIGHT GROIN INJURY
"I had a slight groin injury and halfway through the race my ankle started hurting me so I just tried to stay in the top three," Martin explained. "I am happy with my performance. Last year I ran 1:34.00 and I did 1:31.57 today so I am pleased with the time."
Overall second and third place finishers walked away with $7,500 and $5,000 respectively. They also collected trophies, cellular phones and other prizes.
Edwin Allen walked away with the champion school award, a Trophy, $8,000 between all the teams and a computer, while their coach, Michael Dyke, was given a cellular phone prize.
The 'A' team quartet of Jessica McLeod, Kerone Miller, Trudy-Ann Williams and Jody-Ann Richards finished first in the High School girls' 4x5K, beating Bellefield and Edwin Allen 'B'. Glengoffe won the boys' section ahead of Holmwood.
