Big support for Breast Cancer Awareness 5K

Western Bureau

Organisers of The Kiwanis Club of Providence, Montego Bay Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run and Wheelchair Signature Project say they were impressed by yesterday’s turnout of participants in their first event post-pandemic.

The early Sunday morning 5K, which was held at Fairview in Montego Bay attracted 1,500 participants.

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,

Kadian Brown, club president,was delighted with the turnout.

“I am more than pleased with the turnout. This is certainly good for the work we have been doing with the Jamaica Cancer Society, Cornwall Regional Hospital, and cancer survivors in western Jamaica,” Brown said. “We were targeting 1,000, and we surpassed that. It’s our first 5K after the pandemic, so I am pleased. This shows that next year will be even better as we look to get back to pre COVID-19 numbers of more than 2,000 participants.”

Former head of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, Dr Alfred Dawes, commended the work of the Kiwanis Club.

“I’m very impressed by the work of the ladies at the Kiwanis Club of Providence, Montego Bay. The event was smooth from start to finish, and the turnout was great, so I know they have raised funds that will go a long way in the support of breast cancer awareness and treatment,” Dr Dawes said.

“It’s exceptional to see them bringing such awareness to this disease, which remains the number-one killer of women in terms of cancers. This must be commended,” he added.

Grabbing her second win in as many major road races post the pandemic, Danielle Terrier, the female 5K run winner, said consistency is key to her performances.

Terrier got home in 25.40 minutes ahead of Candice Heaven in 27.35 and Trudy Morris in 27.40.

“I try and run fairly consistently and at least get to the gym. I’m certainly looking forward to more races. It’s always good to run out here and get together for a great cause,” said.

Male 5K run winner Garth Abbott said he had to run a tactical race to get to the tape in 18.21 minutes. Brandon Kerr placed second in 19.05 and Marlon Reid, third in 20.58.

“It was an exciting race. I came to put out my best because I didn’t arrive here very strong, so I knew I had to hold my composure to take it,” Abbott said.