28 December 2008
Luanda — The enlistments for the 53rd edition of the Luanda yearend race dubbed São Silvestre (Saint Sylvester), which will happen on 31 December, will only close on the eve of the event, ANGOP has learnt from the Angolan Athletics Federation (FAA).
The signing up for the race, which so far reached 3000, started last November 28 and was to finish on December 28.
The FAA chairman, Abel Isaac, has told ANGOP that the closing date has been pushed up to enable more national and foreign contestants to sign up.
The official also explained that the race will be disputed in two categories, namely 15 kilometres mainly for professional athletes, and 5 kilometres for amateurs and citizens in general, which is being dubbed "Family Race".
"We have the objective of bringing together many athletes and citizens, so we have decided to extend the sign up deadline (...), also with a view to giving the opportunity to those people who are coming from other provinces of the country" explained the Federation official.
Abel Isaac revealed that in terms of foreign participation, there is already confirmation from Zambia, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia and Portugal.
Kenya will have the largest delegation with eight runners, including the athletes that won last year's edition of this event, Elijah Nuyabuti (in males) and Grace Momany (females).
In the main race, Angola will be represented by Avelino Dumbo (males) and Ernestina Paulino (females), coached by Lázaro João.
As regards the prizes, ANGOP learnt that the winners in both sexes will get USD 10,000 each, and those in the subsequent positions will receive 8000, 6000, 4000 and 3000 US dollars respectively.
There will also be prizes for Angolan professional and non-professional athletes (3000, 2000 and 1000 dollars) in both sexes, as well as for disabled persons and war veterans.
The organisers have also announced the raffle of a car and the award of gifts such as rucksacks and t-shirts.
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