Beckford, Gordon top Pink Run

Kelly Ann Beckford and Garfield Gordon came out as the overall winners in the male and female open run category of the 2018 ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run yesterday. The 18th annual run, held in New Kingston, saw a record-breaking turnout of over 5,000 participants.

The open run and walk categories are based on the best gun time and include all registered runners and walkers. Gordon completed the race in 15:42 minutes, while Beckford clocked a time of 20:43 minutes.

Gordon said his win was a result of him sticking to his game plan for the race.

"From the start, I came out hard, and before I reached 1km I was leading by about 100m so I knew I was the winner right there because no one could catch me," added the GC Foster College student.

'Victory wasn't easy'

The female winner said her victory did not come as easy as Gordon's, but she was happy to have participated, and come in on top in the run.

"It was very challenging but I knew that I had to win. I am very elated to know that I can do something I love and help to spread breast cancer awareness and fundraising," Beckford noted.

The total sum raised from the run will be announced by the ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run Planning Committee within the week and the sum officially handed over to the beneficiary, Jamaica Reach To Recovery.

Jamaica Reach to Recovery is the breast cancer - support arm of the Jamaica Cancer Society. They provide financial, emotional and psychological support to breast cancer patients and survivors. President of ICWI Paul Lalor expressed gratitude to Jamaicans for their continued support of the run over the last 18 years.

"Five thousand one hundred people is an amazing turnout growing from 3,400 last year, and 1,800 the year before. So we are overjoyed by the turnout today and the support that Jamaica is showing for the fight against breast cancer," added Lalor.