FORMER Fiji’s long-distance runner Shiri Chand commonly known as “Mushroom” has strong intention of running in 2016 Island Chill Suva Marathon tomorrow.
He used to sell mushrooms in late 1970s and from there people started calling him by “Mushroom”. He had won a number of events for Fiji including a silver medal in the Pacific Games in 1979 in Suva running in the 10,000 metres.
Chand, 64, came from Lautoka to take part in the run which he holds close to his heart.
“I love running and it has become a part of me ever since I ran for the first time when I was 12 years old,” he said.
“Age is definitely catching up but I think I am growing young again.
“I cannot say about the competition as everything will be known on the day.”
Chand may not be able to run as fast as he used to in the past but his passion for athletics would be young forever.
“Even today I have been committed towards my training and every day I am training almost two hours every day,” he added.
“We do not have many long-distance runners in the country at the moment and most of the young athletes are opting for short distance. We should be focusing more on the long distance.”
The full marathon (42.2 kilometres) race begins at 5.30am, the half marathon starts at 6.30am and the team marathon will start at 7.30am.
