Guardian’s SHINE 5K lights up the streets of Montego Bay

THE GUARDIAN GROUP SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk lit up the streets of Montego Bay on Saturday night for the second leg of its much-anticipated return after a five-year hiatus.

In humid conditions, the more than 3,600 participants were energised from as early as 6 p.m. for the event which was held at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay. The first leg of the revitalised event in Kingston, on May 10, saw 4,000 participants.

Travellers Beach Resort’s Winthrope Wellington and Papine High School’s Gizelle James copped the male and female 5K Run titles, respectively.

For the first-time winners, it was about challenging themselves while giving back to a worthy cause.

Wellington, a seasoned marathon runner, crossed the line at 17 minutes 26 seconds, ahead of Brandon Kerr (17.36) of FITTNATION and Marvin Hamilton (17.41), who were second and third.

James, 15, clocked in 23.12, while her teammates 16-year-old Latanya Johnson (24.29) and 14-year-old Ariella Francis (25.59), took second and third, respectively.

Wellington told The Gleaner that health and wellness is a key factor for him at all times.

“It is about putting your personal health and fitness as a priority, and I think the organisers and Guardian Group accomplished that in doing this race. The warm-ups were well executed and everyone was into it and they did a great job of building a vibe,” said Wellington, who wanted to test his speed after doing the London marathon weeks ago.

Despite having fun, Wellington admitted the temperature was a challenge.

“It was challenging for sure. It was very warm. I underestimated the heat and I think my warm-up was too long. The heat coming from the pavement is what makes it challenging. Luckily, we had a little bit of breeze which alleviated some of that challenge,” added Wellington, who is a first-time participant of the 5K Run event.

James said she is elated with the win, though it was challenging.

“I feel great as a youngster because a lot of seasoned 5K runners I usually run with always take the lead and win,” said James, who placed second in the first leg in Kingston. “It is a great feeling because I didn’t think I would win tonight. It was hard but I went out there and did my best,” she added.

In the 5K walk, which attracted the 1544 finishers, Thompson Damehon was the top male, clocking 31:15, ahead of Owen Brown (35:02) and Omroy Samuels (35:23) from the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Seasoned walker Jullite Reeves, from the Jamaica Public Service Company, took the female section in 36:43, ahead of Sherena Gray from Green Pond High (37.14) and Kareth Harris (38:40).

Since its inception, A Night of Purpose, the Guardian Group’s 5K Night Run/Walk, has raised more than $102 million to support healthcare, youth development, and community renewal across Jamaica.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event will go towards purchasing equipment for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, Noel Holmes Hospital, and supporting Project STAR.

According to Oneil Clarke, vice-president, Guardian Life, Health and Pension Sales, the gathering was magnificent.

“I’m reminded of why we chose the name SHINE for our rebranded charity run. Just as each of you light up the streets of Montego Bay tonight, together, we’re illuminating the path for SHINE, which stands for ‘Securing Hope for Those In Need’. This year, we’re doing just that for our beneficiary organisations,” Clarke said.