Banton, Green wheel to victory, celebrate staying active

While most entrants at the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run took to the course on foot, the wheelchair category once again demonstrated that determination knows no bounds. This year’s winners, Marcus Banton and Vinnette Green, not only crossed the finish line first in their respective divisions but also highlighted the importance of health, fitness, resilience, and community support.

Thirty-one-year-old Marcus Banton claimed victory in the men’s wheelchair category with an impressive time of 36:39, securing first place.

Beaming moments after crossing the line, Banton reflected on his long history with Sigma with Lifestyle.

“This is not my first time,” he shared. “I’ve been entering Sigma from before or after 2010, up until 2019. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we didn’t get to attend beyond that. So this is our first one since then.”

Banton was born with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, otherwise known as brittle bone disease. He was able to walk when he was a child but kept injuring himself, breaking bones easily because his bones were so fragile. As a result, he eventually became wheelchair-bound.

For him, participating in the Sigma Run is about far more than medals or podium finishes – it’s deeply personal.

“The reason why I continue to come is not just for the good cause of this event – because I and others around me have also benefited from the Sigma road race– but mainly for the physical activity,” he explained. “As we go along in life, we tend to grow older, weaker and so forth. So physical activity helps to maintain that healthy fitness and development.”

Though consistently finishing in the top three over the years, this marked his first official win.

“I always aim to finish on the podium. Trying to be in the top three or even winning. This is my very first time winning, so I’m elated!” he said with a laugh.

Banton emphasised that events like the 5K are crucial for maintaining health, managing weight and strengthening the body over time. “It’s very important and a very, very crucial factor for me,” he added.

In the women’s wheelchair category, 59-year-old Vinnette Green, living with a similar brittle bone condition, powered to victory in 38:41, keeping alive a tradition of participation since 1999.

“I feel good, man,” she said proudly. “From ‘99 I’ve been doing this. So it’s been a long time. You have to keep yourself healthy. Good health is a good reason to keep doing this. Keep your body fit from diseases, and give it the strength and ability you need.”

For Green, fitness is non-negotiable. She spoke passionately about the link between physical activity and longevity.

“We need to eat good, healthy food and do regular exercise. That is a must and that is the number one way to keep me alive and keep my body in good health and shape,” she said.

As long as she is able, Green intends to keep showing up, not just for personal wellness, but for the wider community.

“As long as I can, I will be entering this event and do this not just for me but to show my support for Sigma and the cause,” she added.

The 2026 Sigma Run was not simply about personal achievement, it was resilience in motion. Every stride and every wheel rotation contributed toward restoring educational institutions in western Jamaica that were left in need of significant repairs following Hurricane Melissa.

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com