Jamaica needs more 5000m runners - Campbell

National record holder Kemoy Campbell said that he is still waiting on another great Jamaican distance runner to emerge on the scene, as he feels frustrated being the only Jamaican currently competing in the event.

"I would love to have someone else competing, because at least when I go on trips I can have someone to warm up with and cool down with," Campbell said after competing at the 15th staging of the Jamaica International Invitational Meet at the National Stadium at the weekend. "It's kind of frustrating not having someone to warm up with."

The former Bellefield High School student athlete believes that it is just a lack of commitment which is preventing other athletes from stepping up to the challenge. "It is just for people to come out and try the event and be consistent, and if they do that, I believe that they can do well in it," Campbell said.

Campbell, who was running his first outdoor race of the season, managed 8:07.14 minutes for third on the night. "It definitely felt like my first race of the season. It was pretty rough. I had cramps in the third lap into the race. I just had to push myself. It is a season opener, so I can't complain," Campbell said.

The race was won by Alfredo Santana of Puerto Rico in 8:01.52 minutes. Dylan Blankenbaker of the USA finished second in 8:02.41. "It is always nice competing in front of my home crowd. Win or lose, they are still cheering me on. I am definitely looking forward to my next race, wherever that is," Campbell said.

The multiple national champion is the first Caribbean athlete to make it to the final of the 5,000m at the IAAF World Championships when he did so last year in London.