12-Year-Old Kaden Henry Makes Waves at BAFA Beach Mile
Age is just a number, and 12-year-old Kaden Henry proved exactly that when he powered his way to the men’s overall title at the BAFA Foundation Beach Mile on Saturday evening.
Representing Super Nova, Henry conquered the one-mile course on the sand at Mangroves Beach Bar, Jolly Beach Resort, crossing the finish line in 6 minutes, 42.8 seconds.
Javier Spencer of UWI Track Club was hot on his heels, finishing second in 6:48.4, while Brycen Bellamy of PPF completed the men’s podium in 6:50.3.
Gordon Leads the Women’s Charge
Over in the women’s race, Tiffany Gordon of PPF put her training to good use, taking the overall title in 8:18.8.
Bridgette Bellamy, also representing PPF, finished second in 9:03.1, while Rian Marie Bellamy completed the podium in 10:16.3.
The evening’s action unfolded across two waves, with the competitive Wave 1 getting underway at 5:15 p.m. before the more relaxed, non-competitive Wave 2 followed at 5:45 p.m.
And, of course, nobody went home empty-handed. Every finisher received a limited-edition starfish medal to mark their efforts on the sand.
A Family Affair on the Beach
For BAFA Foundation director Nigel Bellamy, the evening was about much more than the finishing times.
“It was encouraging to see runners of all ages take on the mile on Saturday evening. Twelve-year-old Kaden Henry was outstanding in winning the men’s overall title. Tiffany Gordon put in an incredible performance to take the women’s title, and all her training showed.
“As a father, I couldn’t be prouder to see members of my own family on the podium too. That’s what this foundation is about: getting people of every age and ability moving together,” Bellamy said.
And that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re chasing a podium finish, working towards a personal goal, or simply looking for a reason to get moving, there’s a place for you in the BAFA family.
Antigua Keeps the Caribbean Moving
The Beach Mile was another stop in BAFA Foundation’s ongoing efforts to keep the running culture thriving across the Caribbean, with Antigua once again providing the backdrop for community movement and friendly competition.
Back in March, the region’s focus on fitness and community spirit was on full display at the UWI Five Islands 5K in Antigua. The second annual run/walk brought together students, teachers, university faculty and members of the wider community in a collaboration between the UWI Five Islands Campus and Five Islands Primary School.
But this was about more than clocking kilometres.
The event combined healthy living with fundraising for student scholarships and school programmes, reinforcing the power of sport to bring communities together while creating opportunities for young people. It also complemented the campus’s wider wellness initiatives, including its No Sugar November campaign and New Year’s step challenge.
The message was simple: every step counts, whether you’re taking part for your health, supporting education, or helping build a stronger community. It’s a philosophy that fits right in with BAFA Foundation’s own mission to use running and walking to promote health, wellness and connection across the Caribbean.
More than Miles
At BAFA Foundation, the finish line is only part of the story.
Through running events and distance challenges across the region, the Foundation continues to encourage people of all ages and abilities to embrace more active lifestyles.
Its flagship Caribbean Million Mile Challenge brings communities together with a shared goal of logging one million miles, encouraging physical activity in keeping with World Health Organization guidelines and supporting the fight against noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The wider mission also aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Proceeds from race entries support youth athletics through the Foundation, helping ensure that the impact of each event extends beyond race day.
The BAFA Beach Mile was hosted at Jolly Beach Resort with the support of Dasani, Powerade and Subway, with Dasani water provided to participants at the finish.
Beach Mile Results
Male
1. Kaden Henry (Super Nova) — 6:42.8
2. Javier Spencer (UWI Track Club) — 6:48.4
3. Brycen Bellamy (PPF) — 6:50.3
Female
1. Tiffany Gordon (PPF) — 8:18.8
2. Bridgette Bellamy (PPF) — 9:03.1
3. Rian Marie Bellamy (PPF) — 10:16.3
For more information on BAFA Foundation’s events and initiatives, stay connected with Bafasports as we continue to bring you the stories behind the miles.