It is a laudable objective to improve your health and fitness, especially at the start of a year, and there were many at Port Moresby Road Runners at Murray Barracks on Saturday afternoon who took the first step towards that goal for 2024.

Hagai Gideon got the year off to a cracking start in the 2.8km event, winning easily in 11 minutes and 39 seconds from Jim Alfred (12.06) and Philip solo (13.28).

Two of Buda Awowaris daughters, Natasha and Tanya were equal first females in 15.14.

Road running is for runners and walkers of all standards and amongst the walkers was the dynamic duo of Ajit Muttu and Simon Nutley who crossed the line together, equal 19th in 37.09. The late-starting Lionel Emmanuel (43.14) and Junior Mavia (42.43) completed the 22-strong field.

While his daughters were doing great things in the short race father Buda was busy winning the 5.6-km event in 30.41 from Yoba Mathew (34.36), Paul Sayer (36.15) and Soa Gor (37.36).

What is the term used for a person whose first name and second name starts with the same letter? Not sure, but we have to find out soon as there are plenty of them.

They dominated the second half of this field: Titus Tobia (41.28), Henry Horou (52.09), Jerry Jack (52.33) and Havae Harupa (53.18).

The long race took the runners right around the big block and here Swans Pinampio started the new year the same way he finished the old one, with a victory and a stylish one at that in 42.56. Hans Lambrecht and James Gurumi were equal second in 43.46, while Trent Scott made a welcome return in 46.31.

Josek Woka (53.02), John Ulelu (55.12) and Dominic Armbrust (59.23) were gallant in a gladiatorial finish to the days proceedings.

Next Saturday Road Runners will be back at UPNG Waigani for three events starting at 4.30pm. All are welcome.

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Battle for 2024 health and fitness starts - POST-COURIER