Forde all set for local leg of South American 10K

Distance stalwart Cleveland Forde is said to be well-prepared for the second leg of the South American 10K road race, which is scheduled for this Sunday, November 4.
The “Little Kenyan” currently leads the race, after winning the first leg in Suriname on Sunday ahead of Guyanese counterparts Winston Missigher and Cleveland Thomas, who copped second and third place respectively. The race will now head to the top three’s home turf Guyana, for the second leg, where the local racers are expected to have an advantage. Forde says that he is ready for the competition.
“I’m prepared and ready for Sunday, just like the other athletes. We had a chat about it in Suriname and it’s going to be interesting. I think it’s going to be another tough and close race. Right now, it’s very competitive and everyone is motivated,” he stated.
Comparing Guyana’s conditions to Suriname’s, Forde noted that his focus would be key to battling the scorching sun in Guyana.
“There, it was early in the morning, so it was really cool; here, it’s going to be hot. Also, at home, there is going to be some sort of added pressure so the focus has to be on target.”
In the first leg, Forde was closely trailed by long-time rival Missigher. Additionally, Missigher defeated Forde just a few weeks ago in their previous 10K encounter. Referencing this, Forde noted that it was key for him to be aware of all his opponents and not focus on Missigher alone.
“Never underestimate your competitor, so it could be while I’m looking at Missigher, someone else could be coming ahead of us, so it’s not just Missigher alone,” Forde stated.
Added to the special measures for the event, inclusive of the closure of the entire route, Athletics Association of Guyana President Aubrey Hutson disclosed that there would be live commentary at the race. “And also there’ll be live commentary, compliments of Banks DIH, being done by Brijgobin Parasnath and Treiston Joseph. So, even if you’re there, you’ll have live commentary coming in on how the race is progressing and I don’t think anyone is better at painting that picture than Brij himself,” Hutson revealed.
He also encouraged patrons to come out, citing that the race was a family-oriented event.
“But the key: come for the start, take a nice leisurely walk over to the National Park and you’ll be able to see a grand finish.”
The second leg of the South American 10K will begin on Carifesta Avenue, with a U-turn at UG, then into JB Latchmansingh Road, a right turn into Thomas Lands and into the National Park before ending at the children’s monument.
The day’s events will also include a 1500 metres race and a 3000 metres race featuring Under-14 and Under-16 boys and girls respectively.