It's 11 for Bromfield ... local hero tops Jakes Off-Road Triathlon

Western Bureau:

Treasure Beach hometown hero Joseth Bromfield easily won the 20th Jakes Off-Road Triathlon individual male title yesterday. It was his 11th success in 14 starts.

Bromfield toyed with the field and pulled away for a comfortable victory in a time of 1:23.02. Beaten into second place was Bobby Barnes, who crossed the tape in 1:27.04, while Phillip McCatty was third in 1:29.03.

American Emily Smith copped the female individual title winning in 1:38.02, with second place going to Laura Cousineau, 1:47.01. Ina Daley ended third in 1:50.02.

The overall team title went to the defending champions, Montego Bay-based Secrets Powerhouse trio of Sheldon Williams (swim), Jermaine Thompson (run) and national road race cyclist Oshane Williams.

Bromfield, who was always the favourite coming into the event, told The Sunday Gleaner that after breaking the tape, he was delighted with the effort, adding it was just reward for a dedicated training regimen.

"To win an 11th title at Jakes is a great feeling. I am very familiar with the course, which offers a few challenges, but I always had enough to win here," he said.

Bromfield said his next two big challenges will be the Montego Bay City Run in May, as well as the Tobago International Triathlon.

Approximately 115 triathletes took part in the event to raise funds for the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation. Several came from the United States, and Canada, while there were dozens of local participants.

Team Tru Juice took home the top corporate prize, while 10-year-old Sandy Bank Primary student, Naheela Foster, crossed the line in first place to secure top spot in the children's race.

BREDS chairman Jason Henzel was very pleased with how the event unfolded. He said the participants brought courage and determination to emerge from the swim in the waters of Great Bay, before their long run through the scenic roadways of Pedro Plains and then the ride on bicycles ending at the entrance of Jack Sprat Restaurant.

"It was another successful event here at Treasure Beach. Of course, we might have wanted a lot more crowd support, but that we had all our competitors completing the course is awesome."

"Congratulations to all who won and certainly to all who took part in this triathlon. We look forward to next year's staging with even greater enthusiasm," Henzel said.