National runners win first Easter Road Race in two years

National long distance runner Patrick Kam has won the East Road Race in the male category whilst female golden girl Sharon Firisua retained her title in the female division.

A total of 40 athletes competed in the 7KM Road Race from Bishop’s Dale in the west to Lawson Tama in the Central, the first in two years due to COVID-19. Kam finished top with a time of 18: 35:19 ahead of Martin Faeni who clocked 19:03:63 whilst Leon Pusua round up the top three in males’ division with a time of 19: 54: 05. In the women’s category Firisua won by 22:22:02 whilst her team-mate Diana Matakali finished in second place with a time of 23: 42:12. New runner Emmy Grouse from the Western Province made an impressive debut by clocking 34: 35: 98 to complete the top three.

Athletic Solomon’s General Secretary Chris Walasi said it was the first race in two years but he was impressed by the times.

He said they were impressed in particular by Grouse from the Western Province whose performance has now won her a place in the national team.

Walasi said the today’s event also marked the official competition for athletics in the country for the year.

Like many years in the past the race started at 4pm today at the Anglican Parish of Bishop’s Dale (St Alban) and ended at the Lawson Tama.

Walasi said a national championship is coming soon.