Runners eyeing Kimbe tracks

AFTER 12 months of training in Kerowagi, Chimbu, Papua New Guinea’s middle and long distance squad are looking forward to competing in Kimbe, West New Britain, over the next nine days.
The men’s 5,000m race is expected to provide one of the highlights of the PNG Air National Championships next week with Dilu Goiye, George Yamak and Siune Kagl expected to challenge for honours.
Abel Siune, Wilford Baia and Israel Takap will add depth to a quality field.
The squad will run 1,500m and 3,000m races this weekend with Yamak’s blistering speed likely to be the deciding factor, as it was in Port Moresby in July.
West New Britain athletes Aquila Turalom and Andipas Georasi will add quality to the 1,500m.
In the 800m, Utmei’s Adolf Kauba is the clear favourite, following a strong showing in July.
However, both Samuel Pai and Team Nest athlete Jonah Theo have been working hard to try and close the gap on Kauba.
In the women’s events, Mary Tenge will need to be at her best to fend off Scholastica Herman who has shown great form since joining the distance squad in July.
Herman was the winner of the Under-18 1,500m and 3,000m in the 2019 National Championships, and was invited to join the camp when Athletics PNG learned of her availability to train full-time. Pacific Games medallist Ongan Awa, who prefers the longer events of 5,000m and 1,0000m, is picking up form after a long battle with a troublesome ankle sprain.
Another athlete making a comeback is Kerowagi Secondary School student Aina Goir who has impressed with her training.