Ijivitari runners maintain streak

 RUNNERS from Ijivitari, Oro, continued their recent domination of the Port Moresby Road Runners competition with another strong showing at the University of Papua New Guinea campus, Waigani, on Saturday.

Jethro Meana and Silas Ukuma went hammer-and-tongs in the 11.2-kilometre event, with the result still in doubt as the Oro pair surged through the boom-gates with 300-metres to go.

Meana took out the race in 48 minutes and 47 seconds from Ukuma (49.08), followed by Ben Williams (53.58), James Gurumi (57.33), John Ulelu (58.59), Dominic Armbrust (60.13) and Callum Skeet (69.20).

Another Ijivitari powerhouse, Buda Awowari, made it look easy in the one-lap 5.6km contest, winning in 24.47, a country mile ahead of Peter Motanya (31.10) and debutant Eddie Ryall (31.22).

John Greenland (32.12) repelled late charges by Paulus Opus (33.18) and Henry Horou (33.35), while leading female Julia Mayersohn sprinted at the end to nail a sub-40, in 39.46.

Battle-scarred with a leg injury, Roy Trivedy soldiered on with comrade Graeme O’Flaherty as they both brought the short course proceedings to a close in 44.06. 

Next Saturday at 5pm the runners will meet at Telikom Rumana, corner of Kumul Avenue and Somare Circuit at Waigani. Two events are on the card, over 5km and 8.5km. 

All are welcome.