And now we’re back to where the festivities this weekend began on Saturday morning.
Run away from crime, one stride at a time! And running was exactly what Tafari Waldron did at the SAWA Loop 5K Road Race on Saturday in Santa Cruz, as he seized top spot again in a busy weekend on the road for us at Bafasports.
Eyes on the Red, White, and Black
Waldron, who is quite busy himself in preparation for the upcoming season with the hopes to seal a place for team T&T at both the CAC and Commonwealth Games, clocked 17 minutes, 27.1 seconds, to top the field on a course that wound its way through Santa Cruz and environs.
Christopher Mitchell wasn’t too far behind, as almost 20 seconds later he crossed the line to seal second place clocking 17:43.6, while David Herbert rounded up the podium clocking 17:51.8
Taking the scenic route
Runners had to make sure and set their alarms early, as the starter’s horn sounded at 6am with a course that offered many sights on the way on a winding loop around the village.
Starting at Real Street, the race then swung up the Saddle Road stretch, turning around just before Riverside Park, and cutting back down on the Santa Cruz Old Road all the way back to the start at Real Street – definitely a run for those with an affinity for a more technical challenge.
All for a good cause
The race itself was presented by Knead to Function in collaboration with San Juan Youths, not just as a statement against crime, as our lead-in suggested, but also in an effort to promote positive change in the community.
Alexi John leading the charge
Over to the ladies, where Alexi John was in a class of her own as she was the first to finish – and just under 20 minutes to boot – when she crossed the line in 19:53.3, while 15-year-old Shian Lewis, who clocked 20:39.3, finished second, and Samantha Shukla rounded up the female podium in third clocking 21:39.3.
A race for everyone in Santa Cruz
As you’d come to expect from us, this race was stacked with the usual bells and whistles, including cash prizes, stunning finisher medals for each participant, professional race photography, hydration stations, as well as age-group prizes for top performers.
And there were notable performances among the age-group winners.
At 52 years old, Luquecia Robertson was one of the latest examples of age being whatever we make it, as after 24:34.9 she was the first over the line in the women’s 50-59 division.
Ingrid Murrell, at age 76 years old, topped all women 60-and-over running 43:18.6 to again highlight that anyone can give these races a go.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Jeremiah Crevelle gave us a glimpse of the future as the eight-year-old won the boys 11-and-under category with a 26:46 time.
To the people who made the event possible
We take great pride in curating some of the most unique road races you can find in the 868, but it wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and sponsorships.
The SAWA Loop was no exception, as Kiss Baking Company, Fitzsal Supermarket, Nacotek, Love Is Foundation, Good Eating Place Chinese Restaurant, Zad’s Hardware, R&D Extra Savings Supermarket, Movement Specialist, Darlene’s Hair and Cosmetics, Ms. Overdo Clothing, Glow Up, and The Wellness Haven, all chipped in to make the event possible.
The Midnight Half Marathon is coming!
The T&T Midnight Half Marathon is almost here, as it runs off on April 5. But 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 – 17:27.1
- Christopher Mitchell – 17:43.6
- David Herbert – 17:51.8
Women
- Alexi John – 19:53.3
- Shian Lewis – 20:39.3
- Samantha Shukla – 21:39.3
*See results page for more details