SPORTS

Bigger, Better Ultra Marathon For 2019, Says Manley

A bigger and better Vodafone Lost Island Ultra Marathon is planned for May next year. This was confirmed yesterday by Marita Manley of Talanoa Trek after the inaugural event ended
09 Apr 2018 10:00
Bigger, Better Ultra Marathon For 2019, Says Manley
Alex Flynn of England given the boost from atheletes at the Sand Dunes in Sigatoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

A bigger and better Vodafone Lost Island Ultra Marathon is planned for May next year.

This was confirmed yesterday by Marita Manley of Talanoa Trek after the inaugural event ended well in Sigatoka yesterday.

“After the success of this event there will be more overseas participants and to make things more exciting we will be changing the course,” she said.
“We managed to squeeze in two cyclones and hopefully when we host in next May the weather will be more kind.”

She confirmed that they would be changing the route as well

 

GRMSTRIP WINS

Denmark’s Simon Gimstrup took out the inaugural ultra marathon– The Lost Island (220kilometres) men’s overall title.

In the five stages hosted in various locations around the country, Gimstrup tallied the time of 12.51 hours including 2 hours 20 minutes at the sand dunes in Sigatoka.

“I’m happy and being proud but did not expect to win the race but there were good competitors in the race as well,” Grimstrip said.

The 41-year-old admitted that he was recovering from a muscle injury where he had problems running on flat areas but enjoyed climbing up and going down the slopes. “I had loved the trails and the fun in my 31 years in the event after taking it up more seriously in the last five years. Fiji has amazing landscape of beautiful views and the people are very friendly.”

In a moving ceremony, Gimstrip gave his medal to Alex Flynn, a competitor from England who was diagnosed with Parkinson disease since June 2008.

“He is an inspiration to the race, he is struggling with his Parkinson disease but he is mentally strong and he deserves such a medal.”

 

SUTTON: FANTASTIC RACE

Kerry Sutton of England took out the overall women’s title with a total of 16.53 hours with one hour and 45 minutes at the Dunes.

“I’m over the moon it was an absolute fantastic race and it’s an amazing country and we had an amazing race. I have too many races and the Fijian people are marvellous that they open their houses,” the 48-year-old said.

 

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

 

 

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