On Saturday, August 19th, San Pedro’s 501 Run Club hosted its first 5K (3.1 miles) Glow Run to celebrate its first anniversary and continue promoting a healthy lifestyle on the island. The activity organized by the community running club awarded the top three male and female runners, while all runners received a medal for their participation.
The running activity attracted a large crowd of runners (and some walkers), who assembled at the starting line outside of Hope Haven Children’s Shelter on Lion Street. Island athletes Kian Trejo and Marissa Guerrero welcomed and thanked everyone for supporting the event.
They encouraged island runners to continue promoting this activity, encouraging a clean lifestyle, and inviting others to be part of this running community. At 6PM the start horn blew, and participants took off heading south of town on Coconut Drive. The route led to the farther end of Seagrape Drive near Victoria House Resort and then back to the starting point.
The runners leading the run quickly made a loop at the turning point and raced back to the starting line. With a time of 18:56, Jesus Alberto Contreras- the Yellow Flash of Belize, was the first male to complete the run. He was followed by the top female runner, Chrystal Thomas clocking a time of 23:20. Contreras shared he had been training and running around three miles whenever he does. Contreras said he will continue preparing for this sport as he looks forward to representing the country in the future.
Thomas, who moved to Sarteneja in the northern Corozal District from the United States, said she has been running for around 16 years. She indicated that running in the evening with limited light was challenging and would start practicing running at night. Thomas said she will continue preparing to participate in a September half-marathon in Belize City.
After the runners reached the finish line, there was a short ceremony to honor the top three male and female athletes. Councilor Adaly Ayuso from the San Pedro Town Council and organizers presented the winners with their medals. In the female category included Chrystal Thomas, Merlin Sansores and Lliani Ordonez. While in the male group, it was Jesus Contreras, Shovan Berry, and Cassian Chavarria. All other participants received an award as well.
The 501 Run Club thanks all the sponsors and runners who have supported this initiative. The club hosts weekly community runs every Friday. They assemble at the central park at 5:30AM. Everyone is invited to join them every Friday and start the weekend with this fun and healthy activity.
 Glow Run to celebrate its first anniversary.){kind=link}