1 week ago
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THE SHOWERS OF RAIN could not dampen the spirit of Montegonians who came out in their numbers for yesterday’s Kiwanis Club of Providence, Montego Bay Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run and Wheelchair.
The 15th staging of the 5K/Run/Walk and Wheelchair saw, from as early as 5 a.m., more than 2,500 participants who took the streets with their umbrellas at the event which was held at Fairview Office Park in Montego Bay.
More than $40 million have been raised in the last 15 years and this year the event’s goal is to raise $15 million.
Proceeds will benefit breast cancer patients through the Jamaica Cancer Society, children at the Oncology Ward of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, as well as provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors in western Jamaica.
In the signature 5K, Brandon Kerr of Wards Power Tools emerged as the male race winner after finishing in 18 minutes and two seconds. Garth Abbott placed second with 19:19 ahead of Courtney Jarrett, 19:46.
Mount Alvernia High schoolgirls Karma Lewin (23:59), Chris-Ann Edwards (24:03) and Alana Hall (24:12) claimed first, second and third in the female section.
Back-to-back winner Kerr felt he had a duty to support the run as he had a number of sisters.
“I have four sisters and I want to show my support by giving back to breast cancer patients. It honestly feels good giving back to this cause. My main reason though for doing this is that I love to run. I won last year as well. The rain made this year’s race more challenging as the road was a little slippery but overall, it was a good run this morning,” Kerr said.
Despite winning for the second time, 14-year-old Lewin said she was disappointed with her final time this year.
“The race was kind of difficult and I feel disappointed in myself because it was slower than the time I did last year. When I reached the finish line, I was very tired. In doing these races, I use them to improve and prepare myself to get fit for Champs (annual Boys and Girls’ Championships). I do the 800 metres and 1500 metres and my goal for the next season is to get a medal. I feel happy for my teammates because we planned on coming in first, second and third and we did,” Lewin told The Gleaner.
Among the participants were the oldest runner in the event, 84-year-old Gerline Nelson and the only person with a disability, visually impaired Robert Blake, who walked the 5K with a guide.
In the meantime, Nadine Spence, president and chairperson, Kiwanis Club of Providence -Montego Bay, said she was never concerned about the rain.
“The race was beautiful. October is a rainy month and we have been doing this race for 15 years. When we see the rain, we know people maybe a little bit perturbed but we weren’t. Persons were concerned but they said the race was great and we are happy for the feedback. We had a little less people participating than last year because we decided to close off early. We realise that the last two days before the race, there was a rush. There are a lot of people here without a bib so we encouraged them to still run for a cause,” Spence said.
She continued “This year, we had a myriad of sponsors especially at the last minute and we never expected it. This race is attractive to many and ladies of Kiwanis Club of Providence feel honoured that people continue to come out and support year after year.”
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