O’Meally, Blagrove cop inaugural SHHS Swans 5K
TWENTY-FOUR-YEAR old Kimolidi O’Meally emerged winner of the inaugural St Hugh’s (SHHS) Swans 5K last Saturday, completing the course in a competitive 16:04 minutes after 91-year-old Olympian and race starter, Dr Cynthia Thompson, rang the starting bell at 7:30 am.
Completing the trifecta in the run category were Richard Guthrie, who clocked 17:02 minutes and elite runner and two-time winner of the premier Sigma Corporate 5K Run, Horace Burey, who registered 17:27 minutes.
After crossing the line, a pleased O’Meally remarked that his “time was good” and that he had expected to do well. For his effort he received the SHHS 115th with an onsite complimentary massage, which was given by Spa Aesthetique to the top-10 male and top-10 female finishers.
In the female-run category, the winner and 15th to impress on the 5K race circuit, completing the course in a respectable 21.23 minutes.
Expressing her satisfaction with the course, the 43-year-old Karlene Blagrove said that the race route was “good” because it was “straightforward, easy to follow and that persons could not get lost”. She also commented that both the sun and the slight inclines along the way, worked in her favour. Not lost on the winner, were the water stands, which she complimented as “great”, as there was indeed not your usual two water stops, but, three along the route.
Copping the second place finish was Sandra Aiken, who completed the course in 24:04 minutes ahead of Embassy of Japan participant, Yasuko Ishige, who crossed the line to place third in 25:47 minutes.
Top walker honours belonged to the St Mary-based Andre Smith, who finished in 29:57 minutes, while the top team prize was secured by the Pacers Running Club.
In the meantime, race organiser Diane Thompson Clarke acknowledged that there was a high level of cooperation by the teams, which made the event very successful on its first outing.
This was in addition to the support provided by sponsors Guardian Group/Guardian Life, Spa Aesthetique, Hi-Lyte Sport Drink, SportsMax TV, Tropical Blue Water, Westmore Dairy, This is Really Great Yogurt and CariMed.
An outside broadcast by past student and RJR Radio personality, Dorraine Samuels, also made the Swans 5K, which kicked off the St Hugh’s 115th anniversary and made it even more memorable for participants.
Some 500 persons participated in the inaugural SHHS Swans 5K, which commenced by the Mico University College lay-by on Marescaux Road and ended at the entrance to St Hugh’s High School on Leinster Road. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation and the sports department of St Hugh’s High School.