On Saturday November 1st, San Pedro athletes gathered to partake in the island’s first 5K and 10K Run. The marathon saw the participation of 29 runners, who all came out ready to face the challenge, that kicked off near the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in Boca del Rio.
For the 5K run, participants raced from the starting point along the town’s main roads to The Belize Yacht Club and back, while the 10 K runners raced on to Victoria House then made their way back to Boca del Rio. The race proved to be one of endurance, as each runner made their way along the allotted path, some visibly feeling the burn, while others carried on with ease.
From early on in the competition Kenrick Duncan and Eric Donis raced on toe to toe, leading the pack for the 10K category. Other runners, including Luisana Nuñez, the only female in that category, endured with stamina as they followed in short distances behind.
While three runners were unable to hurdle through the burn and make it back to the finish line, those that did, gathered at the end to cheer on their fellow runners. By the end of race the top finishers in the 5K Male Category would be: Jonathan Andino (18min: 30sec), Roger Rivera (18min, 43sec), Brandon Santos (20min,30sec), Jose Caliz (21min, 25sec), Kian Ancona (22min, 55sec), and Juvinie Sabido (26min,50sec). For the Female category Chelsea Muñoz (24min, 30sec) led the way, followed by Brittany Chan (27min,20sec), Michelle Muñoz (28min, 03sec), Ilda Ancona (25min, 50sec), Anita Melendez (30min, 30sec) and Elida Castillo (31min).
In the 10 K category Kenrick Duncan and Eric Donis, managed to hold on to their leads, with Duncan finishing at an impressive 32 minutes, followed closely by Donis at 32 minutes and 44 seconds. The top finishers that followed included: Jesus Mai (35min, 20sec),, Mario Chimal (35min, 51sec), Mukul Kanabar (36min, 40sec), Jordan Santos (42min, 53sec), Ricky Luna (45min, 10sec), Raul Graniel (45min, 39sec), Chris Beaumont (46min), Josh Buettner (47min), Luisana Nuñez (47min, 10sec) and Tito Alamilla (49min, 55sec).
At the end of the race organizers Kent Gabourel and Tito Alamilla Jr., thanked each runner who had made the first race of its kind a huge success. Gabourel also went on to thank Traffic Department for their assistance in leading the runners along the way.
Distributing trophies and prizes to each runner was Deputy Mayor Gabriel “Gaby” Nuñez, along with Mr. Castillo of Castillo’s Hardware.
Marathon organizers extend gratitude to all sponsors that supported the event including: Castillo’s Hardware, San Pedro Town Council, Belize Tourism Board, Gaby’s Construction, Carlo and Ernie’s Runway Bar and Grill, Caribbean Depot, Marina’s Store, Xanadu Resort, Captain Shark’s, LC Distributers, Banana Beach Resort, Sunrise Realty, Ched’s Dive Shop, Chuck and Robbie’s, kawkaw Chocolate Factory, Hol Chan, Estel’s, San Pedro Lion’s, Boaz Golf Cart Rentals, Ballerz Barber Shop, Amando’s Store, and David Becker.
