Athletics: Virtual Run weeks one and two |17 June 2020
Pastor Michael Bijoux
Michael Bijoux dominates races as more runners go virtual
With the social distancing restrictions still being enforced due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more running fanatics are joining the virtual races, with Michael Bijoux dominating all the races in three main categories for the first two weeks of the event.
Bijoux, who competes in the Master 2 class, has won the 3km, 5km and 10km races organised over the past two weeks as more runners are signing up for the events organised by the Eco-Friendly Run committee.
During week one the Seventh Day Adventist pastor covered the 3km race in 12 minutes 02 seconds (12:02) and the 5km race in 19:58. For the 10km challenge, pastor Bijoux clocked 41:05.
In week two of the event, the pastor bettered his times for all three races, firstly reducing his 3km time to 11:50, while in the 5km challenge his finishing time was 19:21. In the 10km race he managed to finish in less than 40 minutes, precisely in 39:59.
Speaking to Sports NATION, pastor Bijoux said he made it a must to maintain his fitness, even during the lockdown period.
He explained that he was in full preparation for a marathon initially scheduled for July 19 in Mauritius, but has been cancelled due to the COVID-19.
“Since I was already in training, I decided to join the virtual run as my main concern is to have consistency in my level of fitness and also to remain fit in general,” he added.
Pastor Bijoux further added that his main motivation is to improve his times, rather than competing with other athletes.
“I am very happy that they have now introduced the 21.0975km half marathon which will be another challenge for me,” added pastor Bijoux.
A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose.
One can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym, or on the track (or even at another race). You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.
For the whole month of June, the organisers are offering an easy 3km run for the not so fit, together with a longer 5km run and a 10km run for the stalwarts.
For the third week, the organisers have added in a new category, precisely a 21.0975km half marathon.
The organisers have worked out some 3km and 5km courses around the islands for those without a running watch, however if you want one in your area, you can let the organisers know and they can make one convenient for you.
Runners have to send their results to the Eco Friendly Run office at Oceangate House Annexe which is open each weekday from about 9am to 4pm and they are always welcome to visit.
3km – week one
- Michael Bijoux (Master 2) 12:02
- Mark Jeyasingh (Master 2) 13:05
- Zsaklin Miklos (Master 1) 18:08
- Bettina Estro (Senior) 24:03)
- Annabel Ronna Pillay (Master 1) 25:46
- Alan Hall (Master 4) 25.46
5km – week one
- Michael Bijoux (Master 2) 19:58
- NOK (Senior) 24:50
- Eddie Bistoé (Senior) 29:33
- Erica Charles (Master 1) 30:44
- Allan Hall (Master 4) 43:38
10km – week one
- Michael Bijoux (Master 2) 41:05
3km – week two
- Michael Bijoux (Master 2) 11:50
- Beau (N/A) 17:08
- NOK (Senior) 18:20
- Allan Hall (Master 4) 25:39
- Orange (N/A) 25:39
- Estelle Barreau (Senior) 26:53
- Vanessa Azemia (Senior) 28:27
5km – week two
- Michael Bijoux (Senior 2) 19:21
- Eddie Bistoé ( Master 1) 26:50
- Vincent Abuga (Master 1) 30:21
- Zsaklin Miklos (Master 1) 30:33
- Allan Hall (Master 4) 42:46
- Cheryl Bristol (Master 1) 44:03
- Annabel Ronna Pillay (Master 1) 45:12
10km – week two
- Michael Bijoux (Master 2) 39:59
- Kathie Sanderson Morgan (Master 1) 54:35
- Vincent Abuga (Master 1) 1h00:14
21.0975km – week two
- Alain Bizmohun 1h53:26
Roland Duval