Mushroom still going strong

AT 69, former long-distance runner Shiri Chand Mushroom continues to wow his fans with his performance.

Yesterday, the Lautoka man was among the hundreds of runners who braved the tough conditions in the highlands of Naitasiri and Namosi to participate in the inaugural Namosi Marathon.

While he did not win any medal, the former Pacific Games star was able to finish the 10km event.

At SIXTY-NINE, former national athletics rep Shiri Chand Mushroom still managed to hit the finish line in the 2020 Namosi Marathon yesterday.

Mushroom, who has had a long and distinguished career in athletics said after the race, he wished he had trained for the race because he only opted for the 10km because he was not well prepared.

“The race route was tough but I used my experience to help me through to the finish line,” he said.

“I wished that more young runners participate in this kind of tough and difficult races because it can help them when it’s time to represent Fiji.”

The 42.2km marathon route started from Nabukaluka in Naitasiri for the full marathon runners while the half marathon and 10km categories started and finished in Namosi.

Minister for Infrastructure, Meteorological Services, Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate was one of the runners in the 10km run.

“It was really tiring but a good experience,” Usamate said at the finish line.

“Today was lovely, it rained at the right time to cool us down but I think this was lovely and fabulously organised by the Suva Marathon people

“I encourage people to come and join this initiative, keep fit and be healthy.”

National reps Avikash Lal won the full marathon while Raj Prasad took out the half marathon.

Namosi Secondary School student Christopher Iowane Tikolutu, who was running barefoot won the 10km event.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Shiri Chand Mushroom, 69, leads the pack as he powers through the harsh terrain of the Namosi highlands during the Namosi Marathon yesterday.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Mashroom These 10km runners enduring the harsh terrain during the inaugural Namosi Marathon held yesterday. Inset: Shiri Chand Mushroom.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Namosi Secondary School student Christopher Iowane Tikolutu wins the 10km Namosi Marathon.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Marathon runner Nirmala Nambiar receives support from villagers during race.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Namosi Secondary School runners with their teachers after their race.

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA 2020 Namosi Marathon participants at the finish line yesterday.