Keven DeBellot and Hency Gedion successfully defended their title won last year in the Providenciales leg of the Delano Williams Foundation 10k and 5K Road Race respectively on Friday.
Jess Carey and Tania Gardiner were the winners of the 10K and 5K Female races, respectively.
DeBellot topped the field in his category in a time of 41. 12.60 seconds, ahead of Clement Howell High School student Love Joseph, stopped the clock in a time of 42.25.30 seconds, while Jermaine Malcolm ended in third place, to cap the top three.
Gideon, the Clement Howell High School standout, crossed the line in a time of 20.13.4 seconds, ahead of Dasly Desir of the A. Louise Garland Thomas High, and Erwin Guerrer also of A. Louise Garland Thomas High.
Jess Carey crossed the finish line in a time of 54.0.2 seconds to be crowned top female of the 10K. She came in ahead of Yvonne Ewing, who finished her race in a time of 1:08.4 seconds, ahead of Jennifer Solan, who finished her race in a time of 1:09.6 seconds
For the 5k Female race, Tania Gardiner of A. Louise Garland Thomas High School finished ahead of Tian Otuonye and Mary Kennedy.
In the Primary Age Group for girls, Hayley Gardiner of Ianthe Pratt Primary School topped her category. She came in ahead of Pari Ochani of British West Indies Collegiate.
In the Primary School Boys Age Group, Eight-year-old Yash Ochani of Precious Treasures was the winner. There was no second or third in that race.
In the Junior Girls category, Tania Gardiner was the winner, ahead of Dassy Lacoste and Krysann Williams.
The were also prizes for the Top male and female Senor Runners, and the male award went to Ravi Ochani, while the female title went to Kathleen Cannon.
Patron for the event, Delano Williams, was pleased with the event, stating that this year’s event was better organized that previous years, and the fundraising machinery was firing on all cylinders.
“We sent out between 65 to70 letters, and a lot of sponsors came on board,” Williams said. “I gave out more cash prizes this year…$4,000 in cash prizes between both islands. “I think it was great, I think next year is going to be better.”
Williams asserted that funds raised go right back to supporting young athletes in a number of ways, pointing out that Rayvon Black, a promising local athlete who attends high school in Jamaica is supported monetarily by the DWF.
“In terms of our beneficiaries this year, we haven’t sorted that out yet, but most likely, it is to support schools who compete in track and field. We also want to branch out in other sports such as swimming and basketball.
The meet was originally scheduled for last Saturday, November 18, but due to the threat of a storm, had to be pushed back to this Friday. However, Williams said the threat of a storm did not setback the meet any way, but if anything, gained more traction from the postponement.