Some people like to kick back and relax on Sunday mornings as the new week begins, but not for the Bafasports die-hards out there eagerly awaiting the next race.
Last Sunday was no different, as runners took to the road for the Maraval Health Ministry 5K and Health Fair 2026 got the day started in our latest trek on the roads.
Scenery to match d’ scene
At that time in the morning, you’re talking crisp mountain air, cool temperatures, and a virtual absence of traffic, as most people would still be catching up on their 40 winks.
And don’t forget the scenery.
The course winded up Saddle Road at the beginning, before diverting towards Perseverance Road, and cutting across to Moka Road, before making the u-turn and running back to the start.
Along that path, runners enjoyed the uphill, as much as the view to distract them from the hard graft required to get their best time when their garmin watches beeped at the end of the race.
It was quite the scenery to match the scene, as it was all about health first thing in the morning.
Health Fair vibes
The Maraval Health Ministry has been at it for three years with their health fair, and opted to up the ante with a 5K race with us for the first time this year.
Included in the mix on the side were free health checks, including blood pressure kits, glucose testing, eye exams, and checks for cholesterol levels.
That wasn’t where the health checks ended though, because nutritional counseling, dental and scoliosis screening, medical and surgical consultation, and legal and financial advice bonus was also in the mix.
James and Khafra top the field
And now finally to the race itself.
Over to the men’s, Phillip James created enough distance between him and the rest of the pack that he was able to finish unchallenged at the 17 minute, 28.2 second mark, while Matthieu Clark just shy of a minute behind, finished second in 18:24.4, while Micah Pierre grabbed third in 18:36.6.
In the women’s the Khafra sisters were back in familiar territory, though for once it wasn’t a battle to the end between siblings.
The women’s division did have a closer fight to the podium though.
Neferta Khafra was the first woman to streak through the gantry, when she ran 24:08.4, while less than 30 seconds later was Camille La Fleur was in second clocking 24:28.2, and the other Khafra sister, Heqpera was only two seconds adrift in third in 24:30.4
Quite the collaborative effort, this
And of course, this race wouldn’t be anywhere near the success it was if not for the multiple contributors to the cause.
The Maraval SDA Church, as well as Trinebox, and the Maraval Community Council were able to make the health fair, as well as the race happen.
Along for the ride behind the scenes were registered nurses Samantha and Meghon George, medical rep Andrew Sookhan, dietian Jocelyn Pierre and her team, dentist Quaysir Syne, as well as other doctors, and Curlene Pierre Thomas and Cassie Gomez, who were the lawyers on board for the legal and financial advice segment of the health fair.
Look out for St Joseph’s Convent, and the Midnight Marathon
Next up on the menu is the eagerly anticipated St Joseph’s Convent 5K this Sunday, while the night races will return with the big one a week later, with the Midnight Marathon on May 10, which will also feature the Ekiden Relay at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
We are hurtling towards our mid-year milestone, and are as eager as you guys to see it through.
Keep watching this space.
Results
Male
- Phillip James – 17:28.2
- Matthieu Clarke – 18:24.4
- Micah Pierre – 18:36.6
Female
- Neferta Khafra – 24:08.4
- Camille La Fleur – 24:28.2
- Heqpera Khafra – 24:30.4
*See our results page for more details