Archibald dominates Mobay City Run

The GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, led by Oshane Archibald, who captured the male section of the 10K run, dominated the fifth staging of the MoBay City Run 10K and 5K run/walk in Montego Bay yesterday.

One of Jamaica's most consistent road racers, Archibald was first across the tape in 34:12.00 minutes, ahead of Henry Thomas (35:43.00) and Rohealo Gregory (36:38.00).

Archibald, who is happy with his performance, told The Gleaner that he was using this event to prepare for the Sea-to-Sea Marathon on May 10 in Trinidad and Tobago, where he will compete in the 10K race.

"I ran about three 10Ks this season different from the Reggae Marathon last November. At the Kingston City Run, I ran 34 minutes, at Everyone Is A Winner, I ran 33 minutes, and today, I ran 32, so it's a good feeling. I hope I get a PB (personal best) in Trinidad and Tobago," said Archibald, who has a PB of 31:40.00 minutes.

Archibald's training partner from GC Foster also took the 5K run with 15:16.00 minutes, with Jerome Kirby (17:24.00) and Ronique Williams (18:30.00) taking the minor placings.

Also of GC Foster, Kelly-Ann Beckford (22:25.00) edged out Mount Alvernia High School's 13 year-old Tia Anderson by .05 seconds to come away with top honours in the female section of the 5K run.

The charity event, which provides scholarships for needy tertiary students across western Jamaica, saw just under 4,000 participants. The run officially kicked off at approximately 6:10 a.m. from the Old Hospital Park on Gloucester Avenue (the Hip Strip).

Meet director Janet Silvera, though a bit disappointed with the turnout after setting a target of five thousand, said she is happy with the overall running of the race.

"Overall, this was probably our best meet in its five years of running," said Silvera. "We were far more organised. One of the things we did was bring in raceway professionals out of Fort Lauderdale. That helped us to contain the crowd."