New fun run champs

The absence of the renowned long distance runners has paved way for other local athletes to add titles against their names during the Easter fun run.

Oceania long distance title holder and Easter fun run champion Sharon Firisua’s absence has paved way for long her long-time rival Diana Matekali to scoop the title during the Easter fun run on Monday.

Men’s title holder for number of years Rosifelo Siosi’s absence as well as energetic Patrick Kam’s absence has also saw new champions for the men’s open category.

Firisua and Kam are currently representing the country at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast while Siosi is in Makira doing his study.

“It’s good to see new champions in the absence of some of our household names in long distance.

“This will motivate our upcoming runners in preparation for 2023 Pacific Games.

“Since we will host the 2023 Pacific Games we need to have more potential runners so that we will not always depend on runners like Sharon and Siosi to name a few.

“Athletics Solomon must take note of the bulk of potential runners.

“Encourage them or even give them golden opportunities as part of preparation for upcoming events,” Junior William an athletics fanatic told Star Sports at the Lawson Tama stadium on Easter Monday.

He said athletics Solomon should as well monitor the young athletes who won the junior categories of the Easter fun run.

“I am sure they are on the right track to be trained for future national events,’’ he added.

Annual Easter Fun Run Trophy/ Medallion Schedule 2018

By CROFTON UTUKANA