Champions of the MBJ 5K/10K Charity Run: Racing for a Cause
Published:Monday | September 9, 2024 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
From as early as 5 a.m. yesterday, athletes from all walks of life gathered at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay for the much-anticipated Montego Bay Jamaica (MBJ) Airports Limited ‘Team Sangster Charity Run’.
The fourth edition of the 5K/10K Run and Walk brought out fierce competition, but beyond the races’ finish line, the runners knew that their efforts would contribute to something bigger: education.
For the winners, it was not just about crossing first, but about pushing themselves to their limits and giving back.
Despite battling the flu, Rainforest Caribbean’s Kemar Leslie triumphed in the 10K male category with an impressive time of 34 minutes and 42 seconds.
“I wanted a better time,” he admitted, “but I had to accept what I got.” Even under less-than-ideal conditions, Leslie’s determination shone through.
Having won almost every race he has competed in this year, including the Bahamas Half-Marathon and the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, Leslie has now set his sights on his next marathon in Washington, D.C.
Reflecting on his consistent victories, Leslie shared: “Running is a big deal for me. It’s part of who I am. I think everyone should have something they love and commit to whether it’s a sport or something else. For me, it’s running, and I run because I love it, not just for the prizes.”
VICTORY
First-time 10K female winner Tonya Busse, who moved to Jamaica from Alaska just a year ago, trading the cold northern climate for the warmth of the island, ran 45 minutes and 16 seconds. “It got too cold up there,” she joked after her win. Though Busse had participated in a few 5Ks in the past, this was her first time claiming victory in the 10K.
“The course was really nice - pretty flat overall,” Busse said. “At the turnaround, I could count how many women were ahead of me. That helped push me to finish strong.” With her sights set on training for the Reggae Half Marathon, Busse sees this win as a step towards even greater goals.
Steppas’ running club’s Garfield Gordon, the winner of the 5K male category, expressed surprise at his victory, especially after limited training.
“I didn’t expect to win,” he confessed, “but it feels great to come out and take the top spot.” Despite being a frequent winner, Gordon felt an extra push to keep his streak alive. “I don’t want to lose even when I’m unfit. So I keep pushing.”
When he crossed the finish line, he had done it in 16 minutes and 51 seconds.
FINISH FAST
In the 5K female category, 18-year-old Sabrina McDonald of Papine High sprinted to victory, describing the race as “easy”. A familiar face in local races, McDonald’s strategy to stay strong and finish fast paid off, leaving her beaming with pride.
After the dust settled on the racetrack, the real impact of the event became clear through the words of Sharon Hislop, MBJ Airports’ commercial and marketing manager.
“I’m really hoping we can raise $20 million this year,” Hislop shared. With 2,400 participants and 85 sponsors backing the run, including some last-minute contributors, the overwhelming support was evident.
“Every dollar raised goes toward education,” she emphasised. From primary to tertiary students across western Jamaica and even extending to St Elizabeth, the funds will provide scholarships and educational support to those in need. “Our goal is to give as much as possible back to the children.”
Among the 2,400 participants, one stood out not for speed, but for resilience and inspiration. At 84 years and nine months old, Gerline Nelson was the oldest runner in the event, showing that the spirit of competition knows no age limits.
“I’ve been running for years, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon,” she said with a laugh. Participating in the 5K, Nelson finished strong and left a mark on both the race and the hearts of fellow runners.