S. Jeevanesh - Fastest School Boy in Men Open (Wings X- Country Race -Part 1)

Men Open Race - College students dominate the men open cross-country race.

Picture 1 - Jeevanesh balances running and studies well in Hwa Chong Institution (college)

On 19th February, the Wings Cross Country Race took place, followed by Hong Kong Marathon 2011 on the next day. As I was in Hong Kong on Saturday, I had to ask on the Wings race from Jeevanesh, a Hwa Chong Institution student. I started to do this in an interview form.

How was the race?

Before the race, I was quite apprehensive as I had to go through a one and half week of sickness. I told myself that the target for today is to get college best time and to come in top 3 for the men open race, as a minimum target.

I ran the race and hit the first 1km in a time of 3min 05sec and was waiting for someone to push. As there was no one to push, I decided to relax on my run. At the uphill, few runners overtook me. However, I overtook everyone except for Rui Yong, from Wings Club. Nevertheless, I found that his pace was quite okay for me to follow. We opened a gap of 5sec from the third runner by the name of Benjamin, from RI. This went on until the last 600m. Towards the finish, I was getting tired because of the fast 1km where I had gone out too fast instead of 3min 20sec pace. I was paying for it. However, I was able to close up the gap and was only 4 sec away.

Rui Yong was first and I was second. After the race, I was, in fact, not interested in my race but awaiting the news of Ashley Liew's Hong Kong Marathon result. Once I heard that the time was 2hr 45min 34sec, I felt that that was an achievable target for him.

Are you happy with the time?

Of course, it is my personal best time. Considering my falling sick for a period of time, I am now 10sec away from the course record time set by Kien Mau in the past.

How was the competition?

I can say safely say that nearly all the top schools came this particular race.

What your time and the winners time?

The winner Rui Yong, from RJC did 13min 32sec while I did 13min 36sec.

How was the weather?

The weather was quite good. Although, the time 9 40am is a hot time for race, the weather seemed good. I was prepared for any kind of climate, especially hot. I am now trained to run in heat effectively.

Who was third and fourth?

Benjamin from RI was 7 seconds away and was third while the fourth position went to Marcus Ong from Singapore Institute of Management.

How do you find the experience?

I think that I am half-way into my serious training and I am about to intensify my workouts and I am prepared to do it. The competition was good, I get an experience of National schools race. Hoping to better my timing than running against opponents.