By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA’s Cleveland Forde,nicknamed Little Kenyan,orchestrated a tactical win over Winston Missigher and Nathaniel Giddings,to take his sixth consecutive Massy 10km Road Race men’s title yesterday, while Ashanti Scott capitalised on the absence of several leading female distance runners to capture the win in the women’s category. Forde covered the distance,on the East Bank of Demerara from Diamond to Massy’s Ruimvelt location, in a time of 33 minutes and 10 seconds, to champion the event as Missigher once again failed in his bid to clinch another win over Forde,since beating him in the Jubilee 10 km Road Race.
The time was a five-second improvement on the time that Forde clocked in the event last year, when the route was from Vreed-en-Hoop to the Massy’s Office,but it was still behind the 32.39 that he clocked for his win at the Caricom 10km Road Race in July; leaving him still unable to attain his wish of going below the 30 minute barrier.

Commenting on the race,Forde said it was all about “consistency in training and determination” that lead him to the win.
For the second place finish,Missigher covered the distance in 33 minutes, 30 seconds.Giddings was just behind Missigher,clocking 33 minutes and 33 seconds for third place.
Cleveland Thomas finished fourth (34m.01s),while Quacy Morian was fifth (35m.16s).
Commencing with some 65 runners, things started to really thin off as the pack came out of the final 3km, with Thomas leading the way and Forde strategically keeping close by.
Another thinning of the pack would ensue as things got down to the final 3km.With Thomas dropping back,the new leading pack consisted of Forde, Missigher and Giddings. With about 1km to go, Missigher and Giddings were left to battle it out for second place, as Forde established himself firmly in the lead.
From there, it was all over and Forde eased his way to the finish line to pick up his win. Forde now has his sights set on participating at the Venture Credit Unit 5km in Trinidad later this month, and the upcoming Courts 10km Road Race in Guyana. The 30 year old will use all of these events in his preparation leading up to his participation in the South American 10km.
Among the females, it took Scott some 42 minutes and 21 seconds to make her way in, and another four and a half minutes for Alicia Jack to take the second place finish. The third to cross the finish line was Shyon Boyer in a time of 49 minutes and 32 seconds.
In other results of the day,Claudrice Mackoy won the female junior category,while Odwin Tudor won the male title. Micheal Dividson took the master’s 40-54 win,and Ian Archibald prevailed in the men’s 55 and over category. On the distaff side,the master’s title was won by Cyrleen Phillips.

Following the completion of the early morning event, Massy Group of Companies Country Manager, Persaud, congratulated the winners and conveyed his gratitude to all the participants who took part in the event;making it another successful year.
President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hudson, was also on hand to thank all those who participated.