Nicholson credits Forde masterclass for SA 10K win
Marlon Nicholson is expectedly on a high after winning his first South American 10K Road Race on Sunday last.
Marlon Nicholson takes the lead on Thomas Lands
Competing in suitably overcast conditions for such a lengthy run, Nicholson, of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), clocked 33:27.80 to not only clinch victory but to also finish ahead of a number of experienced campaigners.
The likes of which included Winston Missigher (33:38.30), Odwin Tudor (33:39.30) and Cleveland Thomas (34:33.30).
Marlon Nicholson celebrates after crossing the finish line first
Speaking with the media following his victorious run, Nicholson explained that he began training late, after seeking permission from his superiors in the GDF.
“Well, you know, for the first I surprised, ‘cause when I hear that the South American 10K is on, I said to myself ‘I wasn’t running whole year’ and then I started asking my Sergeant Major for time to train ‘cause I wasn’t getting the time,” the soldier-athlete said.
He further stated, “It was a short period of time training; it was a month and couple days. I put in the work night and day, then you know I started resting, started feeling great and I started doubting myself saying I can’t make it, but today was a big victory for me.”
It was then that the young man revealed that he sought expert advice on the race he was about to attempt. That advice came from fellow GDF athlete Cleveland Forde, who was the man to beat in any 10K race just a few years ago.
“I talk to Cleveland Forde, I called him on the phone and said, ‘Cleveland, I want run this race’ and he was like ‘you ready for this’ and I said’ yeah, no problem’,” Nicholson disclosed.
“He was like ‘Son’ be patient, it’s all about patience’, and you know, I held my composure and wait for my turn. And what he told me to do, that’s exactly what came out as a victory for me.”
The new South American 10K Champion was overly grateful for the assistance he received in achieving the feat, noting that it was a remarkable one for him.
Nicholson said, “That was something good for me, an achievement for me. Never did it before in a big, main event like this. I want to say thanks to everybody.”
This year’s South American 10K Road Race followed the familiar route, starting at the GTT Earth Station on Carifesta Avenue, on to Rupert Craig Highway and turning back at the University of Guyana Road, on to Kitty Public Road, then Irving Street into Thomas Lands and finishing in the National Park at the Children’s Monument.
