Pinampio makes a comeback

 ONE of the country’s most durable athletes, Swans Pinampio, made yet another comeback in the Port Moresby Road Runners on Saturday.

The Gulf star, now aged well into his 40s, has battled injury and illness for the past 12 months, turning him from an indestructible force to a battle-scarred warrior. 

But he is back again.

He led the 5.8-kilometre race at CIS Bomana from start to finish, to win easily in 26.12 from Phil Holcombe (29.20), Simon Schwall (32.17), Allan Kura (33.01) and Johan Askew (36.29).

Nicci Stilwell showed plenty of class, pace and staying power to be the first and only female athlete and take home sixth place in 37.48. 

Neil Papenfus (42.03) led his arch rival Nathan Chang for the bulk of the journey before Chang came home with a withering burst in 40.49.

Graeme O’Flaherty (44.24) was steadfast throughout in his pursuit of Simon Nutley (43.40).

Three brave souls conquered the traditional round-the-block 9.1 km course with Jethro Meana emerging victorious in 42.24, ahead of Buda Awowari (46.09) and Jason Conway (49.55).

Next Saturday at 5pm two events get under way from the Fincorp building in Independence Drive, Waigani. 

This will be the venue for the first round of the 2015 Endurance Challenge, which will be over a 10km course starting at 6am on Sunday April 26. Runners and walkers of all standards are always welcome at Road Runners where the entry fee remains unchanged after 36 years, at 20 toea.