The legacy of popular runner Bhagwandeen “Deanflow” Frankie lived on in the Deanflow Remembrance 5K, which ran off bright and early Sunday morning in Marabella.
“Bhagwandeen’s love for running was infectious. Whether he was training for a marathon or simply out on a casual run, he always had a smile on his face. His energy was boundless, his spirit unshakable, and his encouragement for others unwavering…” – Bafasports Media
Homage to a running legacy
Deanflow was more than just a familiar face at our events, but also an advocate for a healthy lifestyle as he believed in taking care of the body, fuelling it with the right foods, and embracing wellness in all its forms.
His passion for health and fitness wasn’t just something he practised; it was something he shared freely with others, always eager to offer advice, motivation, or just a few words of encouragement.
The 62-year-old was tragically struck by an oncoming car while running near the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, and while we went above and beyond to pay tribute to him on social media, this time around we went one further to honour his memory with this race.
Following the well-travelled path
Runners were out and about at the crack of dawn – the overall theme for the weekend – as the race, set to run off at 6.30am, had overwhelming support.
Sold out weeks before the starter’s horn, the runners traversed down Park Lane before cutting right to Kenneth Drive, following onto Gopaul Circular Drive before swinging back up Park Lane and turning right onto Tagore Avenue, Bailey, Union Park Private, before finishing the course on the Manny Ramjohn running track – just how Deanflow would’ve liked it.
All according to plan: Waldron on the double
Tafari Waldron is a name almost synonymous with Bafasports at this point, and for good reason too.
The national middle-distance runner highlighted his plans for the 2026 season when we spoke to him after the recent T&T Midnight 10K Ariapita.
“Jason Parris, our coach, he had a big plan for us for the track season, for us to make some national teams, especially like the Commonwealth Games and stuff. So, you know, we’re focusing on the shorter distance in terms of training.” he explained shortly after bagging silver in the race.
Walrdon also has plans to feature at this year’s CAC Games, and this weekend was a return to the top of the podium for the double Carifta gold medal winner in the 5000m, as he followed up his win in Saturday’s SAWA Loop 5K with another victory at the Deanflow Remembrance.
Clocking 16 minutes, 3.1 seconds, Waldron brought it home in style – running his way to the top of the podium and the TT $1000 prize.
Pounding the asphalt
Waldron wasn’t alone for long at the finish line, as 10 seconds later Donnell Francis pushed through the gantry to finish second in 16:13.9, while Isaiah Alder came in third with a 16:57.9 time.
Alexia John was in a class of her own; she was the first woman to cross the line finishing in 16:03.1 by quite some distance, while the battle between second and third was much closer by comparison.
Claire Fortune almost five minutes later finished second in 24:08.9, while Paula Bhagwandin sealed the top three ladies in third place clocking 24:28.8.
Many hands, one goal…
This heartfelt event wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Subway, Darielle King Fook, Powerade, Starbucks, the NCC, Dasani, Good N’ Natural, Move with Us, and Angie’s Scentorama, all of whom contributed to a successful race.
Get ready for the night-time Half…
The next big run on the cards will be on April 5 in Chaguaramas, with the T&T Midnight Half Marathon resuming the Midnight Runner Series.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here, before that of course will be the Oasis Inaugural 7K at the Queen’s Park Savannah opposite TGI Friday’s which promises to be the ideal precursor to the after-dark run in early April.
Results:
Men
- Tafari Waldron – 16:03.1
- Donnell Francis – 16:13.9
- Isaiah Alder – 16:57.9
Women
- Alexia John – 19:23.8
- Claire Fortune – 24:08.9
- Paula Bhagwandin – 24:28.8
*See our results page for more details
