Alex Ekesa and Alexia John produced the performances of their lives to dominate the 15K event at the RBC Race for the Kids Saturday (September 27) morning at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Following their lead, Donnell Francis and Secmyah Andrews captured top honours in the men’s and women’s 5K, capping off a stellar day of racing in Port-of-Spain.
Both pairs were among a large field of some 5,500 runners and walkers who participated to test their endurance and support the bank’s Caribbean Children’s Cancer Fund.
The 15K race was officially started by Chris Duggan, CEO of RBC Caribbean Banking, and Marc Jardine, Managing Director of RBC Royal Bank Trinidad & Tobago. The 5K got going by Eliana Foster, a recipient of the RBC Caribbean Children’s Cancer Fund, who later spoke with participants about the significance of supporting children battling cancer.
In the 15-kilometre event, the test of physical endurance climaxed after 48 minutes and 51 seconds when Ekesa, the lanky Kenyan who chas proven to be unstoppable in domestic road running, crossed the finish line for the gold medal to the delight of the crowd.
Collin Pereira of the Defence Force finished second in 55 minutes and 07 seconds, while Jedaiah Hinds of T&T Miles Crew secured third place in 57 minutes and 24 seconds.
In the women’s 15K, John impressed fans by placing ninth overall and first among female runners for the Pacelink Run Club. Her time of one hour and 46 seconds highlighted the closing gap between men’s and women’s local runners. Her rival April Francis finished second in 1:06:50, while Celine Lestrade took third spot in 1:09:44.
In the men’s 5K, Francis clocked 16 minutes and 21 seconds to take gold for Team TTMB. He held off Omari Thompson of Kiss Baking Company, who earned silver in 16.57, while Raheem Modeste of the Wolfpack completed the top three in 17.23.
The women’s equivalent saw young Secmyah Andrews showcased her talent by taking first place in 22 minutes and 50 seconds, placing 32nd overall in the field. Adrieanna Garcia, running unattached, took silver in 23.40, while Charlotte Scott of Giants Multisport Club claimed bronze in 23.41.
RBC expressed satisfaction with the high turnout, via press release, noting that the Race for the Kids is part of a global initiative across 29 countries. Since launching in New York in 2009, it has engaged over 525,000 participants and raised more than $118 million CAD in support of youth-focused charities worldwide.
The RBC Caribbean Children’s Cancer Fund provides financial support for treatment, care, and related needs for children under 16 battling cancer, with the “Race for the Kids” proceeds directly funding the cause.
Yesterday’s results
15K
Men: 1 Alex Ekesa 48.51, 2 Collin Pereira 55.07, 3 Jedaiah Hinds 57.24, 4 Adam Montano 57.30, 5 Jeremy Samaroo 58.11
Women: 1 Alexia John 1:00.46, 2 April Francis 1:06.50, 3 Celine Lestrade 1:09.44, 4 Zara Suite-Stewart 1:11.12, 5 Nakifa Punter 1:13.42
5K
Men: 1 Donnell Francis 16.21, 2 Omare Thompson 16.57, 3 Raheem Modeste 17.23, 4 Joshua James 18.17, 5 Tristan Scott 18.39
Women: 1 Secmyah Andrews 22.50, 2 Adrieanna Garcia 23.40, 3 Charlotte Scott 23.41, 4 Rejeanne Diaz 23.52, 5 Simone Gonzales 24.27
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