JC’s Tetteh, Pacers’ Heinrich top MBJ 10K

Jamaica College’s Evans Tetteh and Pacers’ Cecile Heinrich copped the male and female 10K titles, respectively, at the fifth staging of the MBJ Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk in Montego Bay yesterday.

In cool conditions, nearly 4,000 participants were energised from as early as 5 a.m. for the event at the Sangster International Airport.

For the first-time winners, it was about enjoying the moment as they took part in a great cause. Tetteh crossed the line at 34 minutes 16 seconds, ahead of last year’s winner Kemar Leslie (34.23) of Rainforest Seafoods, and Jomo-Rhys Gilman (35.36) of PureLuv, who were second and third.

Heinrich clocked 44.24, while her teammate Dandie Williams (45.54) and Arieta Martin of Rainforest Seafoods (58.04), took second and third, respectively.

“I give thanks to the Lord Almighty for the first position. I couldn’t get the time I was expecting because of the long travel and lack of food,” Tetteh said after the event.

“I am grateful for what I have achieved. The running conditions and temperature were good. I would do this run again for sure,” he added.

Frenchwoman Heinrich, a seasoned runner who resides in Jamaica, told The Gleaner she enjoyed the experience on the scenic route.

“The route was beautiful and the water stops were well organised. Despite the crowded return with the 5K walkers, it was great,” said Heinrich, who has participated in other races on the island.

“I plan to participate again next year. The organisation was great. For now, I am training for the Reggae Marathon in December and a full marathon overseas,” she added.

Steppas’ Running Club’s Garfield Gordon, the back-to-back winner of the 5K male category, expressed surprise at his time.

“I didn’t expect to be this fit, but I am so thankful. I thought I would run slower. The course was easy and flat, and the weather was much cooler than it was last year,” said Gordon, who has participated in the race three times.

In the 5K female category, 17-year-old Anieta Gutzmore of Rainforest Seafoods who sprinted to victory, described the challenge of racing in the early morning.

“The air was kind of thin, which was a little challenging. I don’t know if it is because it’s been a long time since I last raced in the early morning,” said Gutzmore, who attends Holmwood Technical High.

“My training paid off, but I feel I can do a little bit better,” she added.

In the 5K walk, where there were 1,383 finishers, Dual Allen was the top male, clocking 26:38, Courtney Taylor (30.08) and Robert Gray (30.29) were second and third, respectively. Seasoned walker Paula Sinclair took the female section in 32:32, and she was followed home by Sherena Gray (33.22) and Hodeth Betty (33.23).

Sharon Hislop, MBJ Airports’ commercial and marketing manager, said they went all out this year to make the event an islandwide initiative to raise funds for education.

“This year I hope we can donate $30 million,” said Hislop.