Wed | Dec 25, 2024

Mixed emotions as event stalwart misses return of MoBay City Run

Published:Monday | May 8, 2023 | 1:08 AMKavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
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Danielle Terrier (left), winner of the women’s section of the MoBay City Run 5K, receives her plaque from Sophia McIntosh, campus coordinator, University of Technology, Western Jamaica.
Ashley Anguin
Danielle Terrier (left), winner of the women’s section of the MoBay City Run 5K, receives her plaque from Sophia McIntosh, campus coordinator, University of Technology, Western Jamaica.
Winston Dehaney (left) winner of the men’s section of the MoBay City Run 5K receives his plaque from Dr Patrick Prendergast, Campus Director, UWI, Mona - Western Jamaica Campus.
Ashley Anguin
Winston Dehaney (left) winner of the men’s section of the MoBay City Run 5K receives his plaque from Dr Patrick Prendergast, Campus Director, UWI, Mona - Western Jamaica Campus.
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Western Bureau

Mixed emotions marked yesterday’s return of the MoBay City Run 5K/10K run and walk as former winner and event stalwart Jill Stewart, who is battling cancer, missed out on what was dubbed the return of the great run after three years due to the pandemic.

Jill’s husband, Adam Stewart, executive chairman of the Sandals Group, who ran with their son Aston, said that despite the sombre time for the family, they are honoured to see the female 10K winner getting the Jill Stewart Award. The race was won by Delly Vassel in 50 minutes and 50 seconds.

“We are extremely proud. Jill has been a runner and a stalwart in Montego Bay organising multiple running clubs. Also, Janet Silvera and Jill have always had an amazing relationship through the organising of the MoBay City Run. She won the women’s 10K multiple times but is now battling cancer and could not be here. As a family, it is an amazing and heart-warming gesture that we really appreciate,” Stewart said.

Silvera, the chief organiser of the run, said they were happy to be back despite not having the desired turnout.

“It is great to be back, and that is why we called it ‘the return of the great run’. We did not get the numbers that we would have wanted because we started very late and people are just coming back to run. We have no doubts whatsoever that we will get back to our numbers next year,” Silvera said.

The other winners were Kemar Leslie, clocking 34.43 minutes in the male 10K. Winston Dehaney took the male 5K in 17.01 minutes ahead of Odaine Davidson (17.02). The female 5K was won by Danielle Terrier (24.44 minutes) ahead of Yendi Little (25.51).

Silvera said they are happy to be back in a position to again contribute greatly towards education in the Second City. She said that there had been a marked reduction in university and college enrolments since the pandemic.

She is also excited to be throwing their sponsorship behind Mt Alvernia High School’s track and field team, which finished in the top ten at last month’s ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

“We want to help Mt Alvernia Track Team from the run, owing to the fact that they have been doing so well. They have a very promising group of athletes that needs to be encouraged. The entire Montego Bay should get behind them and ensure they get to the top in athletics because they have immense potential,” Silvera added.

WELCOME GESTURE

Andrew Henry, coach of Mt Alvernia, said the contribution was a welcome gesture as they looked to continue flying the flag for western athletics.

“This is really great news. Mt Alvernia is a school known for its academic standards but has also been excelling in extracurricular activities like track and field. It is well appreciated and will go a far way in boosting our programme,” Henry said.

Dehaney, the men’s 5K winner, said it was a good feeling to come back home and win in his native city.

“This is my first time at the MoBay City Run, so to come out here and win is a good feeling. I live in Manchester right now, but I am originally from St James, so to come back home and win is a pleasure,” Dehaney said.