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Carlton ‘Corn man’ Stephenson defies conventional beliefs to blaze marathon track
Those commuters that rise very early might be a bit surprised to see a 59 year old athlete, bathed in perspiration and jogging along the streets. He is not Usain Bolt nor is he aspiring to attain any of the phenomenal records achieved by the Jamaican.
Carlton Stephenson
In fact, the individual in question is Carlton Stephenson, well known as ‘Corn man,’ a patriotic Guyanese with such a passion for physical fitness that he has endeavored to engage in a lengthy jog as testimony of the benefits of physical exercise and that all citizens, regardless of age, could indulge in such activity and enrich their lives.
‘Corn man’ was born on March 6, 1953 and in a mere few weeks would be celebrating his 59th birth anniversary, yet his crisp gait and agile movements belie this fact. He subscribes to the view that healthy eating supported by rigorous exercises contributes to longevity.
It is this belief that has inspired him to become involved in marathon events and in 2002 he completed a 26 miles journey from Soesdyke to his home village, Sophia. Thereafter, the senior athlete has made the event a yearly ritual and this year he plans a similar journey starting from Soesdyke and culminating at the Red Shop, Sophia. Stephenson said that the 26 miles journey will commence at 04:00hrs.
He has no qualms going the journey all alone but he wishes to encourage other fitness conscious citizens to participate in the event. “I am appalled at the vast talent locally that is not being adequately exploited,” he lamented. He feels that Guyana has a lot of talented athletes that are yet to realize their potential and he has christened the event as an awareness run to bring this anomaly to the fore. “I love sports and despite my age I participated in the South American 10K race in 2011,” he revealed.
Mr. Stephenson is also planning an event on Emancipation Day, August 1 next, from Uitvlugt to Sophia. He is currently engaged in a mobilizing process and has targeted youths to participate in the event. He is also appealing to the business community and other well wishers to support the event with the requisite sponsorship.
He remains adamant that young people could use the experience to improve their standing, not only as athletes but as health conscious individuals. He could be reached at tele # 592-683-3119 or 592-672-7322.
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