Strides, Smiles and a Shared Mission
Our next stop on the racing calendar was all the way up the island chain for the UWI FIC 5K Antigua, which was a cross collaboration between the UWI Five Islands Campus in Antigua, as well as the Five Islands Primary School.
Campus and community came alive as their second annual run/walk was a cross between wellness, and fundraising community spirit.
Up and moving in Five Islands
In another early start, students, teachers, and faculty from The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, the Five Islands Primary School, as well as members of the community, laced up in strong numbers at the starting line ready to get in their kms.
From seasoned walkers to enthusiastic first-timers, this was one of those mornings where everyone had a reason to be on the road.
More than just a race
Of course, this wasn’t just about breaking a sweat.
Here at Bafasports, it usually never is. The 5K, a growing collaboration between the campus and the primary school, is carving out its identity as a community-powered initiative – one that champions healthy living while also raising funds to support student scholarships and school programmes.
It was the kind of event where every step counted twice: once for your fitness, and once for someone’s future.
Wellness, but make it a lifestyle
At the heart of it all is a bigger push toward healthier living.
Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor Justin Robinson, pointed to the run/walk as just one piece of a wider wellness puzzle.
The campus has been steadily building a culture of health, from its “No Sugar November” campaign, to a New Year’s step challenge that had participants chasing daily targets between 5,000 and 15,000 steps.
Safe to say, this 5K fits right into that rhythm; active, intentional, and is here to stay
Where partnership meets impact
There’s also something special about the link-up between the UWI campus and the Five Islands Primary School.
Principal Alden James highlighted just how meaningful the partnership has become, particularly for the students who get to experience first hand what community support looks like in action.
It’s more than just collaboration. It’s connection, mentorship, and opportunity all rolled into one.
Thomas and Brown lead the pack on the road
And finally to the asphalt.
Kamar Thomas and Sophie Brown were the first man and woman to cross the line respectively, with Thomas clocking 17 minutes, and .20 seconds to win the overall race, while Brown ten minutes later was the first woman to finish with a 27:28.7 time.
Devon James finished in second among the men, stopping the clock at 19:20.8, while Tiger Tyson was in hot pursuit, but off by 20 seconds finishing third in 19:41.5.
Meanwhile, Oona Edwards was the second woman to cross the line clocking 29:50.3, while Robyn Cotzee completed the podium trio when she crossed the line in 29:58.5.
A community in full stride
If there’s one takeaway from this year’s edition, it’s that the message is catching on.
Organisers continue to see stronger turnout and deeper engagement, a clear sign that the Five Islands community is buying into the vision: healthier lifestyles, stronger educational support, and a shared sense of progress.
And judging by the vibes on Sunday morning, this is one run/walk that’s not slowing down anytime soon.
The night is coming!
And don’t forget 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 before that 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.
Get ready to lace up!
Results:
Men
- Kamar Thomas – 17:00.2
- Devon James – 19:20.8
- Tiger Tyson – 19:41.5
Women
- Sophie Bown – 27:28.7
- Oona Edwards – 29:50.3
- Robyn Cotzee – 29:58.5
*Click on our results page for the full races results
