Ballentyne destroys opposition
...in Seon and Viola Black 10K race
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
June 25, 2002
Vincentian Pamenos Ballentyne made light work of his opposition on Sunday, in his debut appearance of the Seon and Viola Black and Harry Powell 10K Road Race. Ballentyne’s winning time was 32 minutes 45.55 seconds.
Guyana’s fast rising teenage star Cleveland Forde clocked 34 minutes 26.87 seconds in placing a distant second, while Lionel D’Andrade was third in 36 minutes 24.36 seconds. Kelvin Johnson finished fourth.
Guyana Police Force’s Carla Benjamin was first in the open female category. Second was Jennifer Chichester and third Nekisha Blair.
After being sent on their way, everyone jostled each other for a good position and on settling just about one mile after the start, Ballentyne made his move and was never challenged.
On completing the first 5K, the world class marathon runner enjoyed a 100-metre lead over Forde, Guyana’s 2002 Junior Carifta Games gold medalist. Colin Mercurius was some 20 metres behind Forde with D’Andrade and Kelvin Johnson matching strides a further 80 metres away. Tulsirai Ramnauth who placed third in the boys 17-20 years age group was a further 50 metres away.
On straightening up on Duncan Street for the finish, though in no danger, Ballentyne who won the Aruca (Trinidad) 10K just a few weeks ago, lengthened his strides and romped home a comfortable winner.
Pamenos Ballentyne (left) and
Clevland Forde (right) run to the finishing line.
Ballentyne had recorded 31 minutes 37 seconds for the Aruca 10K.
Forde was unchallenged for second, while D’Andrade settled for third. Kelvin Johnson placed fourth.
After the event, Ballentyne told Stabroek Sport "winning this race (Seon Black) has inspired me to come again next year".
The Caribbean number one distance athlete said Forde was no threat to him. "I went out from the first mile and no one followed so I just continued. But Forde is good".
Ballentyne who ran his first marathon at age 22, said marathon runners should not attempt to compete in too many marathons each year, since it can be dangerous.
The St. Vincent born athlete who placed 24 in the Sydney 2000 Olympics marathon said Forde is 17 years old and still have a long way to go... "But I would not encourage him to try the marathon now, instead the 5K and 10K’s would suit him ideally or the 5000 and 10,000-metre events on the track."
Forde in an invited comment told Stabroek Sport he is not disappointed that he was beaten "I did my best and am looking forward to improving" Forde stated, adding "I was looking at him but I couldn’t hold him".
Ballentyne said Forde will get there in the appropriate time.
In other results, Christopher Joseph won the boys 17-20 age group from Richard Staglon and Ramnauth respectively. On the distaff side, Stacy Smith was a comfortable winner from Leslyn Qualis and Donna Deane respectively.
The men 45-50 age group was won by Llewelyn Gardner. Second was Curtis Archer and third Ralph Peters.
Maurice Fagundes won the men’s 55-60 age group from Franklyn Archer, while Winston Sanders was first in the men’s 60 and over age group. Phillip Beckles was second and Hilton `Teach’ Lewis, at 83 years of age was third. Lewis was the oldest starter.
The women’s 35-40 age group was won by Simone Baburam. Second was F. Fraser. Lennox Jacobs won the men’s 40-45 years category. Matthew Wong was second and Lawrence DeFreitas third.
Quintin Handover won the boys 13-17 age group from Dia Shabaz and Jermaine Blue respectively, while on the distaff side, Kennisha Lashley was first, Kadjah St. Hill second and Kristina King third.
King who is the national under-15 girls squash champion, used the event as preparation for the Caribbean Junior Squash Champion-ships, slated for Jamaica next month.
The boys 11-13 category was won by Anthony Bowman. Jonathan Fagundes was second and Shakraj Brown third, while on the distaff side, Leanna Doris crossed the finish line first, Carlisa Atkinson second and Maria Simon third.