Guyana is ready yet again to host the second leg of the South American 10k and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is hoping for as many international competitors as possible.
Speaking at the launch of the event on Monday, AAG top brass Aubrey Hutson noted that over the years Guyana has been able to successfully host the event.
He explained that “Guyana has proven to be a good host for international events” as was evident by the recent hosting of the South American Junior Championships.
However, the AAG boss revealed that he is “working with the other presidents from South America and with Copa Airlines to see how many international athletes we can get here, more particularly the ones from South America.”
“We’re hoping from a Guyana stand point that our athletes can run as a team and keep the money here but if we are looking to raise the bar we have the get the competition and that is why we are looking to bring as many international athletes as possible,” Hutson revealed.
He also pointed out that due to Guyana’s geographic location there are no straight flights from many countries deeper in South America thus it is more expensive for some countries to travel to the “Land of Many Waters.”
AAG President Aubrey Hutson (second from left) at the launch
However, Hutson stated a partnership with Copa Airlines has been formed to help bridging that gap and even declared that the AAG is “willing” to aid in paying for “some” of the athletes to come and compete.
This year will mark the 15th year of existence for the South American 10k and while Guyana’s very own Cleveland Forde bossed the event for an astounding 11 consecutive years, the “Little Kenyan” has not managed a podium finish in recent times.
The athletes will assemble in Suriname on Saturday October 28 for the opening leg before crossing the border to Guyana for the second stanza on November 5.
The final and deciding leg will be held a week later in Panama on November 12.
The race will follow its normal route from 16:00h on the afternoon of November 5, beginning at the GTT monument on Carifesta Avenue.
Athletes will turn at Conversation Tree on the upward journey and return to the Monument in the National Park for the finish.
In addition to regular top prize money of $1,000 USD the AAG will maintain the habit of giving away a genuine gold medal to the winner. Registration forms are available for the event at AAG’s head office in Light Street.
