“Rain does only stop cricket.”
The old adage is a Trinbago classic. Often used to galvanise some of the squeamish among us who scamper inside at the earliest sight of inclement weather.
It’s the classic story of rain sweats – teenagers, and adults mind you, grinning from ear-to-ear drenched in mud at the end- where regardless of the conditions, the show still goes on.
Like back in November 2005 when the Soca Warriors made history, there were accounts of people bringing out goalposts on the Eastern Main Road in Arouca to run a quick scrimmage while motorists honked their horns in glee.
And let’s not get started with the number of times masqueraders had a ball on Carnival Tuesdays past, in spite of an unexpected downpour.
When the Midnight Half Marathon finally touched down in Chaguaramas, it wasn’t just a race, it was about keeping a local tradition intact.
Setting the Stage
For the most part since Good Friday, the Easter Weekend took on a more laid-back atmosphere.
Arima proper for example, was comparatively a ghost town during the afternoon peak. Sunday night was no different on the way to the race, as the roads were mostly empty in spite of the looming Easter Monday holiday.
There were the die-hards of course.
In the initial wrap-up for the Midnight Half, I already mentioned the gridlock winding into the mountain eager to arrive at Maracas Bay for a late-night party.
There were pockets of activity on my way to the race Sunday night as well. Starting as far east as Cipriani Labour College in Valsayn, there were party spot lights, a stage, and music, as the ground hosted their own soirée.
Closer to the event in Carenage, a couple bars were teeming with the activity typical of a Friday night – weather be damned.
And of course the closer I got to the race venue, the theme rapidly changed from limers and party-goers to runners warming up in their lycra, brand new kicks, and LED running vests.
The night may have been cool, but I was getting warmer.
Nothing but Cricket
The race was sold out, and the numbers at the starting gantry reflected that energy. Runners seemed to stretch around the corner, as they were instructed seconds before the start regarding the route, about obstacles to look out for in the dark along the way.
And not long after, they were off.
The hour and change it took for Tafari Waldron to win the race went by quicker than expected, as there was always something to see or do.
Refreshments including doubles and corn soup was on tap, while the atmosphere was filled with the constant thrum of steel pan – the Provi-QRC Steel Orchestra provided the beat to match the feet at the entrance of the race.
Further east down the course, shortly after Five Islands, a tent with Soca pushing the energy was just as lively.
“It was enjoyable because of the vibe it had (sic) during the course, the music and stuff,” explained Waldron post race. “I enjoyed it. It was good to see again.”
The Athlete’s Perspective
Waldron was also a fan of the road side support in place a month ago as well when he finished second behind Nicholas Romany at the Midnight 10K Ariapita.
“We had a lot of attention, obviously, as I said, because everybody was wanting to know what was going on this hour of the night.” explained Waldron after the race. “So it had (sic) a good bit of company. It had a lot of people who were with Subway cheering on. You know, it had a good little vibe to it that kind of helped us push along the way.”
Talk about a seal of approval.
The Carifta double-gold medallist of course is currently working towards an appearance at both the CAC, and Commonwealth Games, and as indicated after the Ariapita race, his focus was mainly on the shorter distances over the track.
An approach that has levelled up his speed – an advantage that he reveled in during the course.
“Because of the speed training for the past few months I’m faster than before. So the half marathon pace is even easier, so it wasn’t too hard to out-kick anybody here today. So that’s why I’m so excited about it.” he said.
Inspiring the next Bafasports Regular
The race of course, wasn’t the typical pro-circuit jaunt with hundreds of Olympic-level athletes vying for the next big thing.
Most of the participants are just regular people with an appetite for health and wellness.
Shynelle Stephen is a newcomer to the road race fraternity by her own admission as she was inspired by her first Bafasports experience, which led to her debut race on Saturday at the Oasis Inaugural.
“My cousin was actually into running, so I went a 10K to support her,” she said. “I just fell in love with the energy, with the people, everything. So, I was like, you know: ‘I want to get into running.’ Since then, I tried doing some laps around the Queen’s Park Savannah, and Eddie Hart.
“And that’s how I ended up doing the 7K yesterday. And I came here again to support her.” she concluded.
Working up the courage to arrive at the starting line is one thing, but the story behind managing the race pace is another thing altogether for the casual runner.
“I was jogging, walking and running. I was consistent. I didn’t stop at all,” she explained, recounting the 7K race. “I just felt like I could do it. So, I would definitely try it again.”
A Different Kind of Party
And of course you know the after lime was where it’s at for our races. I mentioned earlier the party animals in the hunt for the vibes on that fateful Easter Sunday night.
After the race, there was a different kind of party. Well not party in the typical sense, but as close in proximity to that energy as you could get.
Before the race started there was the aerobathon warm up, which has become quite the staple for our bigger events, including the Midnight Series.
Afterward, it was the refuel, the good vibes, the smiles, and the eager desire to do it all over again.
Whether day, night, rain, or shine.