Source: BVI News
54 runners took part in the Deloitte-Ogier BVI Half Marathon on December 3, the first race in the BVI since Hurricane Irma. Photo: Dean “the Sportsman” Greenaway
Julius Farley and Maria Mays made it to the top of the podium in the 12th annual Deloitte-Ogier BVI Half Marathon, sweeping major trophies and other prizes on the way.
Farley won the event in a time of 1.32.06 competing in the male category, while Mays stopped the clock in a time of 1.54.01 competing in the female category.
Reuben Stoby came in second behind Farley in a time of 1.38.38 and Paul Mellor, third place in 1.41.12.
Karen Figser came in at number two in the female category with 1.58.48 and Rosemond Johnson third with 2.01.29.
The event which was held on Sunday,December 3 saw runners charting a new course, beginning and ending at the Tortola Sports Club (TSC) in Pasea Estate. Runners had to go through Road Town into Sea Cows Bay and back, while the 10k race was from the gate at Sensus car park at Manuel Reef and back.
Following the prize-giving ceremony, the two top runners in the male category shared their views of the race:
“I just went out and run my normal race and managed to make it,” Farley remarked. “Today was kind of hot but we managed to complete it. Despite the hurricane and the cancellation of so many other races we were able to pull off this one today.”
He has been a participant for four years now.
Reuben Stoby also was pleased of his second place victory. “It was a wonderful race! Julius and I have been battling in Road Racing in pretty much in every way; 5k, 2 miles, 10k and the half marathon and today he was really strong.”
A total of three teams participated- KPMG 1, KPMG 2 and Governor’s Beauties.
In the 10k, Gillian Plaxton won in the female category, while in the male, Andrew Fraser won.
In second place in the male category was Phil Nelson, and in the third was Neil Day.
In the female category, Vanessa King came second followed by Jane Thorpe.
Director of the BVI Runners, Kay Reddy says due to the 6am curfew, the race began at 7 when the sun was already up making it a hot run.
Additionally, she explained that organizers had considered scrapping the race which was the first to be held post-Hurricane Irma.
“We were absolutely delighted because this year after [Hurricane] Irma we decided not to do any formal race,” said Reddy. “We decided to have a little home race this year, just to do it casually, just for fun, just to see how people feel. I had planned for about 30 runners and I am absolutely delighted to note that 54 signed up. So it was a great race given the circumstances. The race turned out better than anticipated.”
Reddy also promised a full racing schedule next year.
