PORT Moresby road runners eagerly assembled at POM Grammar, Korobosea, for one of the most popular events on the road running calendar, the Mike Joyce Memorial 5km race.
The race celebrates legendary runner. Mike Joyce, who served PNG some 20 years ago. Tragically, Mike downed less than a year after returning to Australia. Fittingly, after contributing to Port Moresby for some many years, the event was named in his honour.
On a hot afternoon, over 40 runners charged from the start line in this unique point-to-point event.
In the early stages, Kesa Nathan and Akis Ivia led Noko Negosa as the leading runners passed a Vada Vada village volleyball tournament. However, the runners were soon given respite from the heat as the large trees shaded the road. As the course weaved its way to the Taurama Army Barracks, Noko Negosa and James Gurumi caught the leading pair.
In somewhat of a surprise, James Gurumi, more noted as a long distance runner, upstaged his younger rival and took out the event in a winning time of 18 minutes 12 seconds.
Negosa finished second with Ivia and Nathan crossing the line in third and fourth places, respectively. Noted performances included veteran Jim Rice, whom completed the course in 19:45, Sally Hughes, the fastest female at 23:49, and Jamie Michael, fastest junior at 25:23.
As an added bonus, most of the runners jumped on a PMV to take them back to the start, including expatriates who may not otherwise had such an experience whilst in PNG.
This coming Saturday afternoon at 4.45pm runners will meet at Waigani Post Office for the 1.8, 5 and 8.5 km events. All welcome and still only 20t to participate.