Blagrove, Chambers triumph at CUMI Come Run

Karlene Blagrove secured her fourth consecutive CUMI Come Run title at the 9th staging of the charity event, held at the Tryall Club in Hanover on Saturday.

Blagrove, who represented Pacers Running Club, clocked a time of 48:50 to triumph ahead of Danielle Terrier (51:00) and Rochelle Smalling (52:04), who were second and third, respectively.

"I was a bit nervous this morning because the girl that came second was right there and so starting the race she put up a challenge, but I said [to myself] I can do it," the Spanish Town resident said.

"I told myself that all the week's work must come into play this morning and although it was a tough route, I am glad that I was able to do it," she added.

Blagrove said her preparation involved a lot of leg and arm strengthening, as well as core bodywork.

FIRST-TIME WINNER

In the meantime, Ryon Chambers of Advanced Integrated in Kingston won the male section of the event. Unlike Blagrove, it was the first time he was winning.

"I always wanted to come here, but never really got the chance," said Chambers, who got the better of defending champion Ronique Williams to snatch victory in a time of 36:41.

Williams settled for second place at a registered time of 40:08, while the third spot went to Jermaine Palmer, who recorded a time of 40:27.

Rainforest Seafoods dominated the 5K category. Jozanne Harris (23:04) won the female race while Kemar Leslie won the male leg in a time of 16:57. Rainforest also took hold of the corporate award.

The organisers are hoping to raise $5 million to go in efforts of the rehabilitation of the mentally ill in St James and its environs. Nurse Joy Crooks, CUMI's administrator, said she was happy for the support of the over 800 runners that turned out for the event, as it means that the 26-year-old charity gets to continue its mission.

"The monies that are raised from here goes into the trust fund account that we utilise to meet the expenses, averaging around $500,000 a month, to provide everything they need in the programme," Crooks said.