Leslie lifts ‘Forever Jilly’ to new heights
Published:Monday | January 15, 2024 | 12:11 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Champion runner Kemar Leslie catapulted ‘Forever Jilly’ to new heights, clinching the coveted first place in the Nassau Half Marathon over the weekend in The Bahamas.
In a display of speed and determination, Leslie dominated the half marathon, crossing the finish line in one hour and 22 minutes.
A prominent figure in both local and international track events, encompassing 10Ks, half marathons, and full marathons, Leslie’s triumphant run was not merely about personal achievement. It was a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of the late Jill Stewart, a name synonymous with unbeatable prowess in running circles.
As more than 200 individuals came together to celebrate the enduring love for Stewart, Leslie’s victory added a powerful chapter to the ‘Forever Jilly’ legacy. In every stride, he honoured a legacy that Jill’s husband Adam Stewart is ensuring is surpassed, symbolising the resilience and excellence that defined his wife’s presence in the world of sports.
Stewart, the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, extended a heartfelt invitation to his friends to ‘Run for Jilly’ on January 14, marking six months since her passing on July 14, 2023. The number 14 held profound significance for the hotel mogul, representing the duration of his courtship and marriage to Jilly, who succumbed to cancer 14 months after contracting the disease.
“I ran 14.8 miles, instead of 13.1, because the organisers seem to have made an error on the course,” Leslie shared with The Gleaner, reflecting on his run dedicated to winning in The Bahamas. “I wanted to achieve a better time, but it felt good because it was all for Jill. The team wanted me to win, I wanted to win, so it is a great feeling,” said the runner proudly representing Rainforest.
As a seasoned marathon runner with victories in events like the MoBay City Run, the Reggae Marathon in Negril, Tru-Juice, and more, Leslie acknowledged the challenge of the route, emphasising his continuous battle against himself after the initial two miles.
EXTENDED DISTANCES
“I believe I perform better in the half and full marathons, as my body responds well to extended distances. The 10K and the 5K are more of a fast adrenaline rush.”
Stewart, sponsoring 50 young Bahamians in the run, highlighted the incredible talent within the country and credited his wife, the mother of his three children, for inspiring the gathering of 200 friends in The Bahamas to run, walk, and cheer on the sidelines in Nassau.
Over 100 Jamaicans constituted the ‘Jilly Forever’ group, joined by individuals from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Canada, and Britain, converging on Nassau for a weekend united by the spirit of One Love.
The run, founded by Sunshine Insurance of The Bahamas, is orchestrated by businessman Sir Franklyn Wilson. During a pre-event pasta party at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sir Franklyn bestowed high praise on Stewart, endorsing him as a model of love for one’s spouse.
“It’s amazing. This man’s passion,” he lauded the Jamaican entrepreneur.
After completing his half marathon on Sunday, Stewart marvelled at how his wife’s spirit carried him through the race. “I never stopped for a minute. I ran the entire thing. I also saw dozens and dozens of people, who have never run before, running out there on the course today for Jilly, and it was amazing.”
Throughout the course, signs marked ‘Forever Jilly’ paid tribute to a courageous woman who valiantly fought for her life after being diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Now in its 12th year, the race course was designed to showcase many of the focal points of the amazing destination, which welcomed over eight million tourists in 2023. Marathon Bahamas, has several aspects to it, a 5K Pink Run for cancer; a half marathon, a four-person relay, and a full marathon of 26.2 miles.
Runners from 19 countries participated in the event.