Without a doubt it was a cause worth running for, when the first ever La Feuillée Pentecostal Church “Run for Jesus” road race took place Monday afternoon. The event started at about 3:30 pm on the roadway by Sandals Grande Hotel near historic and picturesque Pigeon Island.
The race got underway with an out rider from the Royal St Lucia Police Force leading the way. There were intermittent showers, however, for this mostly religious group of 80 plus runners it was showers of blessings.
Stanley Cherry (21 yrs old) of Rivière Mitant and Thomyka Valcent (11) from La Feuillée Pentecostal Church created history by emerging as male and female champions respectively in the inaugural “Run for Jesus.”
The two athletes took control of the road within the first 1500 metres. Wearing number 95, Stanley was in devastating form, with no one posing a serious challenge. He crossed the finish line in a time of 28 minutes 45 seconds. In second place (28:59) was fifteen year old McKenry Cumberbatch of Gros Islet Secondary School. Steven Melville was the third place finisher (29.18).
Thomyka who celebrated her 11th birthday on the day, made light work of her female opponents. She emerged as champion in a time of 39:44 and 20th overall. Second was Terry Hunte in 41:27, good for 23rd overall. Third was Terrenicia Jones of the Gros Islet Secondary School in 43:23 at 24th overall.
At the prize giving Pastor Lennox Maxius of the La Feuillée Pentecostal Church said: “I am pleased with the outcome of the event. It’s a first for the church and one would hope it will continue to be an annual event on the church calendar. The support received was very encouraging, the police, the many sponsors and volunteers must be congratulated for a job well done”.
Following are the first place finishers in the various age categories: 10-12 yrs: Boys, Garvin Inglis; Girls, Thomyka Valcent; 13 -15 yrs: Boys, Mc Kenry Cumberbatch; Girls, Terrenicia Jones; 16 -19 yrs: Boys, Ajaunie Scott; Girls, Cheris Fitz; 20 – 24 yrs: Male, Stanley Cherry; Female, Abigail Pascal; 25 – 29 Male, Steven Melville; Female Sidonia Jankie; 30 – 34 female Sancha Melville; 35 – 39 female, Terry Hunte; 40 – 44 male, Samuel Fitz; female, Diana Fitz; 45 – 49 female, Catherine Daniel; 50 – 54 male, Anthony Daniel; 55 – 59 female, Juliana Etienne; 60 – 64 female, Melville.
Organizers thanked the following cooperate sponsors for making this event a success: The Ministry for Youth Development and Sports, United Insurance Limited, Peter and Company Limited, The Trophy, St Lucia Football Association, Scotts Sports Shop, The Royal St Lucia Police Force, St Lucia Fire Service, St Lucia Athletics Association, Catherine Danzie, Kervin Mitchel and family and the many volunteers from the La Feuille Pentecostal Church.
