Blagrove hunts another CUMI Come Run 10K title
Published:Wednesday | September 20, 2017 | 12:00 AMPaul Clarke
Three-time defending CUMI Come Run 10K champion, Karlene Blagrove believes she is in fine nick and stands a great chance to cop a fourth consecutive victory at the charity event, which is set to run-off on Saturday.
Now in its ninth staging, the CUMI Come Run 10K and 5K Charity Races will be held at the historic 18-hole Tryall Golf Club in Sandy Bay, Hanover, home to the event for the past three years.
Blagrove, who dominated over the last three editions, said she is looking forward to delivering a fourth straight win.
"I feel that I can win a fourth straight title. Preparations have been going OK, and while the Tryall course is a good one, it has its own challenges," said Blagrove, who took home the title in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
"I think I will do well once again in this charity run even though many other top runners will be in the part of the mix," she said.
This year, CUMI is hoping to exceed the $5 million raised last year, to continue the rehabilitation efforts of the mentally ill in St James and its environs.
"The CUMI 5K and 10K races offer something to all participants at any level of running and walking, including children. The course offers varying inclines of average grade two to four per cent points, with a rapid downhill section after miles two and five," said race director Alfred "Frano" Francis, head honcho of Running Events Race Management Limited.
Water stops
The course will have four water stops to ensure that every runner is hydrated, thanks to the official hydration sponsor Wisynco.
"It is going to be an exhilarating experience especially if you're a first time entrant of the race. Our marshalls are ready and excited about this annual event," Francis added.
Lending corporate support to the event are the Tryall Club, Sandals Foundation, Rainforest Seafoods, Jamaica Money Market Brokers, National Bakery, Fontana Pharmacy, Deja Resorts and Caribbean Producers. Cargo Handlers, Hi-Lo Foods Stores, Captain Watersports, and Palladium Resorts have also lent support.
The CUMI Come Run is one of six road races under the Ministry of Health's 'Jamaica Moves' campaign which encourages Jamaicans to practise a healthier lifestyle to combat non-communicable diseases.