Wake-Fit doubles participation numbers, 15 schools to benefit

Fifteen schools in Trelawny’s Wakefield division are set to benefit from the annual Wake-Fit 10K Walk/Run, which the organisers say is poised for greater growth as they look to expand the event across the wider community.

What began as a fitness initiative has quickly evolved into a community-driven project that supports schools while promoting health, wellness, and development.

Event co-ordinator Courtney McIntosh explained that after sending letters to schools, the committee reviews requests to identify common needs.

“Most schools wanted some wall fans last year. This year almost all of the schools have that on their list, so we bought, like, 200 in bulk, and then we will split it between the schools. Some schools have water issues, so a water tank is their top priority. The schools will be getting wall fans, water tanks, projectors, and whiteboard station areas based on their needs,” McIntosh said.

Participation doubled from 100 last year to 200 this year, with patrons gathering as early as 5 a.m. for the 5:30 a.m. start on Emancipation Day.

“My cousins Keitha-Gaye Mordecai, Leon Whyte and myself wanted to lose weight, so we walked back and forth on the road, and the numbers grew. We decided to get some shirts for the patrons because we wanted something like Sagicor’s Sigma Run to be held in the countryside,” McIntosh added.

In the male category (17 and over), Jaheim Morrison won in 48:52, followed by Alwayne Williams (49:01) and 17-year-old Sayeed Whyte (50:39). For the females, Brandy Gray topped the field in 1:12:21, ahead of Kendra Palmer (1:20:17) and Mishawnna Steele (1:23:43).

Among children under 12, Shijarie Green won the boys’ division in 1:11:43, with Dijuntae Hayle (1:13:22) and Joshua Simpson (1:18:22) completing the podium. Defending champion Kamelia Chattoo retained her crown in the girls’ division with 1:19:29, followed by Chelsea Henry (1:26:43) and Lleia Vaughns (1:27:47).

Six primary and infant schools, along with three private and early childhood institutions, will benefit. Among those assisted last year were Wakefield Primary, Friendship Basic, Unity Primary, Hope Basic, Bounty Hall Primary, Hasting Primary and Basic, and Greenvale Primary.

With plans to expand to a night run/walk, McIntosh said the initiative will continue to uplift the community.

“Our next event will be in December and it will be named Wake-Fit Night Run,” he revealed.

Principal of Wakefield Primary Michael James praised the initiative, noting its impact on both social and academic development.

“I laud this initiative 100 per cent because it is not just about running and getting healthy. I am impressed by the fact that they are reaching out to the different institutions to assist them. They noticed that the place was very hot, so they provided all the classrooms with wall fans; and those that did not have chalkboards, they provided the material to renovate them so it could be replaced,” James said.

He added that other schools received refrigerators, television sets, and additional supplies.

“There is one block that cannot be occupied by students. There is going to be an assessment by an engineer to determine if it should be demolished because the infrastructure has been compromised. The organisers have been doing their checks to see how best they can assist persons, so it is a very good initiative,” James noted.