Wisil to run at champs

THE PNG Air National Track and Field Championships at the Sir John Guise Stadium which starts today and ends on Sunday will feature women’s sprint star Toea Wisil and four Commonwealth Games representatives.
The four Team PNG athletes are Ephraim Lurkin (400m/800m), Peniel Richard (long/triple jump), Debono Paraka (shot put) and Adrine Monagi (women’s 100m).
Wisil, who has not represented the country since last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu, is expected to win the 100m and 200m.
Sixteen teams including hosts NCD will compete.
The other eteams are Lae, Central, Gulf, East and West New Britain, Manus, New Ireland, Chimbu and Eastern Highlands.
PNG Games 400m winner Isila Apkuk is the sole representative from East Sepik.
The final number of participants is expected to be around 350. The events start this afternoon with heats for open and U18 men in 800m, the women’s 5000m final, 400m semifinals and the men’s 10,000m.
Depending on the number of entries it may be necessary to run heats in the 100m in certain divisions. If not there will just be semifinals and finals on Saturday.
Field events get underway tomorrow after the opening ceremony with a full range of events over the two days.
The PNG Paralympic Committee athletes will be catered for at the championships.