Western Bureau:

A second-year medical student from Kenya and a Jamaica public service employee took top honours in the second running of the Black River 5K Run/Walk race on Sunday.

Edgar Muganzi strolled away with the top male award after crossing the finish line in 18 minutes 30.18 seconds, while the top female prize went to Juliet Reeves, who stopped the clock in a respectable 27:49.26.

Muganzi said after his race that he was delighted to have finished first in his inaugural attempt.

"This was a beautiful course. I had no problems with it, and I am very happy to win here," he said.

"I am just so happy to perform and add my part in raising funds for the treatment of cancer," Muganzi added.

Eighty-seven runners and walkers took part in the event, an almost 50 per cent increase in registration over last year, and a pleased David Morris, president of the Black River chapter of the St Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, stated as much.

"I am of the impression that this was a great event, but we put in a real effort to get the word out, and it's definitely much improved from last year. It's a growing event that we are proud to be part of," Morris said.

Part proceeds from the event will go towards assisting the Black River branch of the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Muganzi was chased across the line by Marcell Stewart in 18:57.65, while Anthony Danvern was third.

In the women's section, first-time entrant Reeves of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, won ahead of Elinor Daniel, 28:15.04, and Kadian Myers, 36:08.08.

Carl Barrett took care of business in the men's walk, posting 37:16.39. Jon Pierre Cavannah was second with Anthony Graham in third.

Cecile Barrett was the female walk winner, with Marsha Alexander taking second, just in front of Janette Kaloo.