From the sand and sea of last week at the Sancouche Community Pop-Up to the country-side jaunt of the Rio Run, we’ve really been getting around in August so far.
Runners lined up in front of the Rio Claro East Secondary School for another 5K adventure, as the RIo 5K 2026 ran off on Saturday afternoon deep in the eastern side of the island.
Lush greenery complements the intense action
There were shades of the Maraval Health Ministry 5K and Health Fair 2026 and the Midnight Half Marathon during Easter, which also featured a run in close proximity to nature, which made this another race that was more than just lacing up and dashing towards a podium finish.
As scenic as they come
The route started in front of the school, and then took a merry path down the Naparima-Mayaro Road, before turning left at Nathai Street, then a right at Baptiste Street, before swinging back northwards onto Naparima-Mayaro Road again before finishing up on Paymar Trace and in front Libertville Community Centre.
Collaborative effort as always
WIth our collaboration with the Libertville Community Council, in collaboration with Moulding Expressions and Collin Pereira, runners enjoyed a shuttle service as well as the full works typical of our races including age group prizes, hydration and motivation stations, product sampling and giveaways, and of course a new shiny Rio Run medal to hang up as a memento.
Harding and John go home with the spoils
Darius Harding edged a thrilling men’s finish at the Bafasports Rio Run, stopping the clock at 17 minutes, 26.2 seconds, to hold off Donald Francis, who crossed just 2.1 seconds later in 17:28.3. Christopher Mitchell completed the podium in 17:41.0.
In the women’s race, Alexa John was a clear winner in 21:53.5, finishing comfortably ahead of Janice Gooding (23:35.8), while Ifeula Gooding rounded out the top three in 26:25.1.
Next up…
The momentum carries on in a packed August for us.
The Caribbean Million Mile Challenge remains in full swing, while the Sach and Steel Virtual 5K is already underway, with a scheduled Pop-Up for August 27 in the works.
On the road, runners can also look forward to the highly anticipated Mayaro Coconut Run on August 15, promising another exciting stretch on Trinidad and Tobago’s running calendar.
Results
Men
- Darius Harding – 17:26.2
- Donald Francis – 17:28.3
- Christopher Mitchell – 17:41.0
Women
- Alexa John – 21:53.5
- Janice Gooding – 23:35.8
- Ifeula Gooding – 26:25.1
*See our results page for full details