We’re ringing in the end-of-year schedule once again in record-breaking style as we hosted the Starbucks Coffee Run: Defeat the Dark 5k 2025 at the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand on Saturday!
Over 2000 runners came out this time around, double the participation numbers from the previous year, and there was something in the event for everybody at the vibrant race village which kept the entertainment flowing.
The coffee shop delighted participants with appearances from both the Grinch and Santa, the crowd had to look up as Moko Jumbies did their thing, while the rhythm section matched the runners stride for stride with their beats.
A well stocked merchandise section provided a number of giveaways from the coffee franchise to satiate their fans.
The event was not only just for the run, the medals and fanfare, but once again a run for a cause, as the idea was to show solidarity for mental health awareness in collaboration with the Mindwise Project.
This year’s theme, Defeat the Dark, saw the race starting at night instead of the typical afternoon period.
When the starter’s horn sounded, runners had the additional challenge of navigating around the QPS and then some under moonlight to finish the race.
Running westward, they cut down Hayes Street after passing Queen’s Park West, before circling back to the savannah at St Mary’s College Grounds and completing the rest of the savannah lap at the Grand Stand.
When the dust settled on the asphalt, Tafari Waldron flashed past the tape clocking 15:03.0, with Darius Harding and Christopher Mitchell finishing in second and third respectively, while Alexia John was the first woman to cross the line in 19:15.6 with April Francis and Shian Lewis grabbing the remaining spots on the podium.
The continuous growth of the event, now in its fourth year, was made possible through the support of the events valued partners: National Carnival Commission (NCC), Ocean Spray, Optometrists Today, Subway, Dasani, Powerade TT, Crix, Lucozade, Degree TT, True Bread, Quaker Oats, Guiltless Yogurt, Regal, Relaxinsoles, Batiste and Haliborange and the Mindwise Project.
Next on the horizon is the Heart and Sole 5k this Sunday which will also be held at the QPS, along with the ongoing Million Mile Challenge, which invites runners nationwide to collectively log one million miles in the name of health and community spirit.
With each event, we continue to strengthen our mission of empowering communities, promoting wellness, and inspiring positive change, one stride at a time.
Results:
Male
1.Tafari Waldron 15:03.0
2.Darius Harding 15:18.6
3.Christopher Mitchell 15:44.4
Female
1.Alexia John 19:15.6
2.April Francis 19:34.9
3.Shian Lewis 20:33.0
