Edwards, Mondon top Sigma Corporate Run

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

After taking a three-year break, Phillip Edwards returned yesterday to capture the men's open category of the 12th annual Pan Caribbean Sigma Corporate Run in New Kingston.

In what was his fourth hold on the title, Edwards, who was participating in the event unattached, won the five-kilometre event in 18 minutes and 10 seconds, 14 seconds ahead of another unattached runner, Horace Burey, and Wilfred Wilson of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), who clocked 18:28.

In the women's equivalent, Elisabeth Mondon of Smith Warner International won in a time of 19:47, with the UDC's Nikesha Martin finishing second in 20:10, and Arieta Martin, competing unattached, pocketing third with 21:09.

The Pan American Sigma Corporate Run is a charity event and this year had the aim of raising $10 million for the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre and other institutions which care for children with disabilities.

"It really feels good. I started back running this year after taking a three-year break due to personal reasons," said an elated-looking Edwards after collecting his trophy and gift at the event's awards ceremony.

"I thought the meet was well organised and has become one of the best in the country," he added.

The race, which attracted a record number of over 11,000 participants, began on Knutsford Boulevard and after traversing Trafalgar Road, Waterloo Road, West Kings House Road, Constant Spring Road, Suthermere Road, Hope Road Winchester Road, Ruthven Road, and Half Way Tree Road, came to an end on Oxford Road in the vicinity of Emancipation Park.

Getting better and better

Among the participants were a number of corporate executives, who brushed their sneakers off and donned their shorts, T-shirts and tights.

"Jamdammers has been organising the race from its inception and every year it keeps getting better and better," said Alfred Francis, chairman, Jamdammers Running Club.

"We are always trying innovative things to make the meet international and ensure that participants enjoy themselves.

"I feel very proud and confident to say this is one of the best-organised long distance running events in the world, not just the Caribbean," he added.

Meanwhile, Andrew Newell of Jamaica Biscuit Company, 32:14, took home the 5K Walk title after outpacing Orrett Young of the Jamaica Broilers Group (34:56) and Martin Calame of Champion Betting Company (35:05).

Sheldon Cox won the wheelchair section in a time of 22:28, ahead of Alvarine Powell (22:52) Tanto Campbell (23:05).

Elsewhere, Nestlé Jamaica Limited's Henroy Lewis, winner of the Corporate Run segment after clocking 20:20, said his co-workers motivated him to participate.

"I am feeling my co-workers. They were the ones encouraging me to run, so I trained for the race," he said after winning the event ahead of National Commercial Bank's Rohan Gordon (20:45) and Peak Bottling Company's Dujo Murphy Li (20:57).

Jacqueline Anderson, representing Red Stripe/D&G Malta, won the women's corporate equivalent in 21:49, ahead of National Commercial Bank's Joviann Thompson, and Joahann Pitter, also of Red Stripe/D&G Malta.