Running the Talk: The Journey of BafaSports Ambassador Jeunesse Wilson
When Jeunesse Wilson was asked to become a Bafasports ambassador, her first question was what the role would entail were she to fully commit.
A wife, mother of three, and corporate professional, Wilson was already juggling a full plate, but still had a deep passion for running and fitness, and also made no hesitation to encourage others to adopt a healthy active lifestyle.
The answer from Nigel Bellamy, CEO here at the Bafasports movement was easy. “Nothing more than you’re already doing.” Wilson was already an Ambassador in her heart.
A regular face at our flagship events, she created quite a stir at the Midnight Marathon in May.
Decked in red, white, and black, she put a new meaning to taking a “hands on approach” as she rolled up her sleeves, or pulled her socks up rather, and was one of our most visible ambassadors on the road for the race.
Being an ambassador with us was definitely her calling, as she was a livewire for as long as she could remember.
From the estate to Stateside, meet the ambassador that conquered the world
“In many ways, the title simply formalised what I was already doing,” Wilson said. “Showing up for the running community, leading by example, and championing Bafasports’ mission to make movement accessible, supportive, and fun.”
And this growing legacy all started decades ago on an estate in Santa Cruz, as the ambassador lived in the outdoors.
Her passion for physical activity didn’t stop there. Athletics, hockey, and cricket soon followed in secondary school and even a short-lived stint in netball too, despite the fact that her opponents towered over her.
But Wilson would never be swayed by her physical limitations and always lived an active life in spite of her day-to-day responsibilities.
“My love for the outdoors has always been in my blood,” she explained. “I grew up on an estate in Santa Cruz and have many childhood memories of my brother, sister, and me running, riding, skating, playing in the river, climbing fruit trees, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Most times, I had to walk at least two miles to catch a taxi, so my slow-twitch muscles developed from a young age.”
She credited these experiences as the central fulcrum to her recent adventures on the road.
Her road-running journey has not only seen her blaze a trail on T&T streets whether in the baking afternoon sun, or the late-night drizzle of the Midnight Runner Series, but has also seen her lace up for a number of races on the international circuit.
Stride by Stride she ran…
“What has stood out to me the most through these events is the incredible atmosphere and the overwhelming support from the crowds. The major marathons attract well over a million spectators, transforming entire cities into celebrations of running,” she explained.
“Equally unforgettable is standing on a start line with more than 30,000 runners. Looking ahead and seeing an endless sea of people, all united by the same goal, is both humbling and inspiring.”
In a race like that you’re never truly alone, as other runners encourage you on a difficult stretch while spectators are constantly offering their support from the fringes.
In races that took her to both sides of the pond, including as far west as Houston, and as far east as Berlin, Wilson is no stranger to the international scene with seven races under her belt so far.
Despite all that, she still believes that the Midnight Marathon captures the same spirit in a uniquely Trinibagonian way.
“Bafasports has thoughtfully created an experience that captures many of the same elements. By starting at midnight, runners avoid competing against the intense Caribbean sun, making the event more enjoyable and accessible,” she added.
“While no local race can replicate the sheer scale of an Abbott World Marathon Major or an event with tens of thousands of participants and over a million spectators, The unique atmosphere of running through the streets at night, surrounded by fellow runners and enthusiastic supporters, creates an energy that feels special and unlike any other race on the local calendar.”
And while hers is an increasingly popular face at our flagship races, like the first leg in our Ekiden Relay, the work has only started for Wilson.
What’s more on the ambassador plate
“I’d love to see more people progress beyond their first 5K,” Wilson said. “Every runner remembers the excitement of crossing that first finish line, but that’s often just the beginning of the journey. I’d like to see more runners challenging themselves to complete their first 10K, half marathon, marathon, and maybe even ultramarathons or Ironman. There’s something incredibly rewarding about setting a goal that once seemed impossible and then realising you’re capable of so much more.”
But it’s not just about clocking in the miles either.
There is a clear running movement cresting like a wave on Maracas in the country at the moment, with Wilson, her fellow ambassadors, and the extended Bafasports team, all surfing that wave together.
“My biggest hope is that this growth continues and that it isn’t just a passing trend but becomes part of our culture,” she added. “The Bafasports Million Mile Challenge plays an equally important role in that journey. Racing is only a small part of becoming a better runner. Real progress happens during the weeks and months of consistent training that nobody sees.
“That’s why I encourage everyone to log their miles on the Million Mile Portal. Watching thousands of miles accumulated from runners across the country creates a sense of shared purpose. Seeing others consistently putting in the work becomes motivation to lace up your own shoes and head out for another run. Momentum is contagious.”
The future of the local running scene, according to Wilson
Wilson would love to see more seminars and workshops covering nutrition, race fueling, injury prevention, strength training for runners among other elements the layman would need to be aware of if they intend to lace up.
But that’s not all.
An upgraded infrastructure that could encourage more runners on the road in a safe non-intrusive way is another glint in Wilson’s eye.
“One dream I’d love to see become a reality is extending the Chaguaramas Boardwalk all the way to Port of Spain,” she concluded. “Imagine having a continuous, safe, scenic waterfront route where runners, walkers, cyclists, and families could exercise together. It wouldn’t just create an incredible training ground for long-distance runners; it would become a landmark that promotes health, wellness, and community for everyone.”
Hers is a vision that will hopefully make running more than just a sport in T&T. It’s running as an identity, as a beginning of the next big challenge around the corner.
For her, the finish line has never really been the goal. It’s simply where the next journey begins.