By VINO
Emrol Amsterdam leads the pack in VG in 20th Highland Spring College Classic Series in support of the Virgin Gorda Cancer Society. Photo: Todd Van Sickle
Emrol Amsterdam led a field of 60 participants through the streets of the Valley on Virgin Gorda on Saturday October 17, 2015 in the second race of the 20th Highland Spring College Classic Series in support of the Virgin Gorda Cancer Society.
Amsterdam ran uncontested in a time of 12 minutes and 26 seconds as rival Curwin Andrews was absent and first leg winner Reuben J. A. Stoby was competing in the NACAC Petit-Bourg 10K in Guadeloupe.
Raw Skillz Track Club’s Britney Peters – a football goalie – was the first woman in the open division, clicking 15:57, but J’Sally O’Neal, running in the cross country segment for Harrigan House, was the first female finisher in 15:37.
Heavy showers came down on Virgin Gorda moments before the start of the race and after more than fifteen minutes of delay, a vote was cast by the eager morning runners and walkers to proceed through the rain.
With water almost up to their ankles, the determined group pressed on for the cause. Most runners and walkers also ensured they wore their pink fighting gear for the fight against not only breast cancer but all cancers. For all the fighters of cancer, participants marked the names of cancer fighters, both lost and alive, on pink balloons which were hung on a fence adjacent to the college as a tribute to their battle.
Members from the Virgin Gorda Cancer Society branch were happy to receive numerous donations from participants. Therapy Works showed their corporate support by providing some wellness tips, tools and massages which were all well received.
The Virgin Gorda series wraps up on November 7, 2015 with the Tortola leg on November 14, 2015.
World Polio Day run this Saturday
Meanwhile, to mark World Polio Day on Saturday October 24, 2015 the Rotary Club of Tortola will be teaming up with the HLSCC College Classic Series to race for the final eradication of polio worldwide.
The World Polio Day race is part of the regular College Classic series and there is no change to the usual format. Registration is from 6:30am at HLSCC as usual, with the 1 mile and 2 mile races starting from 7:00 am.
Although there is no obligation, organisors are asking that all participants carry some money in their running shorts to make a contribution to finish the fight. All donations will be applied to Rotary International’s Polio Fund. Any amount, however small or large will be welcomed. As a thank you to all, there will be a light breakfast after the race.
Top finishers of VG College Classic Race
Two Mile
Men
1. Emrol Amsterdam, 12:26.99; 2. Rainford Legair, 13:25.09; 3. K’Cei Moses, 14:00.01; 4. Valique Graham, 14:00.24; 5. Keanu George, 14:02.35; 6. Li’Shaqah Fahie, 14:25.46; 7. Kasim Clarke, 14:54.57; 8. Jermain Abrams, 14:55.95; 9. Richard Foran, 15:10.32; 10. Sephile Arthurthon, 15:34.01
Women
1. Britney Peters, 15:56.02; 2. Lucy Smith, 17:01.42; 3. Morgana Tilling, 20:21.82; 4. Lindsay Peneira, 21:21.94; 5. Sarina Hancock, 22:28.48; 6. Patty Lora, 22:54.88; 7. Crystal Vanterpool, 25:36.39; 8. Annette Moses, 25:42.96; 9. Glendalee Hyman, 27:18.87; 10. Catharina Macelissen, 27:22.67
Cross Country
Primary Division
1. T’Khoy Stevens (Parkers), 19:01.43; 2. Anaya Findlay (P), 19:19.02; 3. J’Barie Drew (Stevens), 19:21.41; 4. Allena George (Robinson O’Neal Memorial), 22:24.43; 5. Alyssa Butler (S), 22:24.81; 6. Emmanuel Etienne (S), 25:19.50; 7. Jaden Abrams (P), 25:21.54; 8. Teagan Bishop (ROMP), 32:40.64
Scores: 1. Parker’s Panthers, 10; 2. Steven’s Stallions, 14; 3. Robinson O’Neal Memorial 12
Secondary School
1. J’Sally O’Neal (Harrigan), 15:37:87.; 2. Dreyonte Findlay (H), 15:57.63; 3. Claonna Harrigan (O’Neal), 36:43.77, 12:03.76.
Scores: 1. Harrigan 3, 2. O’Neal, 3
