YEAR TWO of the Jamaica National (JN) and the Usain Bolt Foundation Heroes in Action 8K Run/Walk and 4K Fun Run has been given the thumbs up by JN’s general manager, Earl Jarrett.
The event, which brought together close to 2,000 participants in the picturesque, historical Georgian-styled town of Falmouth, more than doubled last year’s registration numbers, with a beaming Jarrett admitting that the charity races will be the recipient of international attention in 2017.
“I am very happy with what I have seen this year; the numbers have increased almost to double of last year and in any exam 100 percent is good,” said Jarrett.
“We definitely will be back next year with an international component to it, as we seek to make this event a bigger and indeed better one each time it’s held,” he added.
The 28-eight year-old Lenford Adams copped first prize and was named the overall winner of the event, after taking the staple event, the 8K Run, in a time of 30.31 minutes. The always present Ronique Williams took second place, crossing the finish line in 30.34, with third place going to Lucien Graham (40.36).
Ann-Marie Finegan took the top prize for the women in 39.21 minutes, as Ashelaun Linton took second in a time of 40.02. Seventeen-year-old Chantel Cornwall copped third in 40.36.
The 4K event, which criss-crossed the historic town, saw the William Knibb Memorial High School’s 14-year-old student, Shawna-Kay Prince, taking the crown. Denache Johnson of Melia Runners was second, with 11-year-old Marsha McKoy of Duncans All-Age third.
On the male side, the title went to 14-year-old Jamario Daley of JADA. Go-Run Running Club’s Andre Smith crossed the finish line in second and another pre-teen, 11-year-old Locordo Daley, was third, as various high schools used the event to sharpen their athletes’ strength and stamina ahead the upcoming track season.
Home town superhero, Usain Bolt, said his delight is with the cause to help children with various challenges. He was very demonstrative in pledging to support the event as long as it is held.
Bolt, the world’s fast man over the 100m and 200m, as well as sharing in multiple records with Jamaica’s 4x100m relay teams, obliged the crowd by signing autographs and taking selfies with his adoring fans.
He underlined his pleasure at being associated with the event on many levels, primarily because it means giving back to needy children and that it brings Falmouth to the public in a way not before seen.
