Archibald, Dinal top record-breaking Sigma 5k

GC Foster College's Oshane Archibald and Juliet Dinal were the top male and female finishers at yesterday's staging of the Sagicor Sigma 5K Run in New Kingston which had a record number of 25000 participants.

That was not the only record set at the event where over $50 million was raised for charity.

Archibald continued his good form this season following success two weeks ago at the High Mountain 10K in Williamsfield, Manchester, where he won the event. This time around it was not that easy for Archibald who prevailed in what was very close finish, eventually winning in 16 minutes 52 seconds.

He had to see off the challenges of Garfield Gordon (16:53) and Dwyane Graham (17:02), who finished second and third respectively.

"I knew it was going to be tough in winning but I am in the best shape of my life as I am preparing for the NACAC Cross Country Championships", said Archibald.

SECOND SUCCESS

Dinal had her second success at after topping the female section in 22 minutes 38 seconds, easily turning back the challenges of Tamika James, who was second in 23:57 and Karen Blagrove (24:15) in third.

"I am extremely happy for the win as it was a miracle I was able to compete because coming to the event I had some medical issues but I am grateful to participate because it was for a worthy cause in helping needy children", said Dinal.

Ingrid Card, vice-president of Group Marketing at Sagicor was elated about this year's staging.

"I am really happy and we all are excited as over 25000 registered and over $50M was raised bearing in mind we raised $35 million last year. Our target was to raise $60M but we have time to do so as we have until March and I am confident we will reach that target", said Card. "Next year will be our 20th staging and we will be hoping to select more beneficiaries and I would like to thank corporate Jamaica and all those who participated, along with my management team, including over 300 volunteers from Sagicor, who worked tirelessly to make this venture successful."

One of the institution to benefit from yesterday's staging is the Spanish Town Hospital's Special Care Unit and Gregory Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of that institution was grateful for the gesture.

"I feel overwhelmed and happy to see the turnout from my company as over 430 turned out and it was not easy to pull out our doctors and nurses but it is for a worthy cause and we feel humbled for what Sagicor has done and we salute them for choosing my institution as they really don't have to do it," he said.

Olympic 100 metres finalist, Yohan Blake who was the Patron of this year's staging was pleased to play a role in the event.

"It is a wonderful feeling to be a part of this venture as I know what struggles have been as I have gone through that in my career and there are many needy children out there and I am willing to contribute in any way I can", said Blake.

Other institutions to benefit from this year's staging included, Bethlehem Home for abandoned children (operated by Missionaries of the Poor) and Mandeville Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Selected Top 3 Results

CORPORATE JAMAICA

Females

1. Jozanne Harrus- Sun Island Ltd. 24.16

2. Faeiona Clarke Pitter- Pepsi Janaica Bottling Ltd 24:20

3. Onecia Bryan Ministry of Industry 24:33

Males

1. Robin Rowe UWI 18:40

2. Keroy Benjamin Seprod 18:46

3.Gerald Palmer Dennis Electrical 20:29

Wheelchair

Females

1. Sylvia Grant. 31:11

2. COLEEN Morrison - 36:26

3, Vinette Green 37:40

Males

1.Alphanso Cunningham 26:56

2. Leroy Cole 29:33

3. Joel Brown 31:17