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Hundreds support Kiwanis Club’s Montego Bay Breast Cancer event
October 28, 2024
THE showers of rain could not dampen the spirits of Montegonians who came out in their numbers for the Kiwanis Club of Providence, Montego Bay Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run and Wheelchair event on Sunday morning.
From as early as 5 a.m., more than 2,500 participants took to the streets with their umbrellas, to participate in the 15th staging of the 5K/Run/Walk and Wheelchair event, which was held at Fairview Office Park in Montego Bay.
Over $55 million has been raised over the past 15 years. This goal this year is to raise $15 million.
Proceeds will benefit breast cancer patients through the Jamaica Cancer Society, children at the Oncology Ward of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, as well as provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors in western Jamaica.
In the signature 5K, Brandon Kerr of Wards Power Tools emerged as the male race winner after finishing in a time of (18:02). Garth Abbott placed second with (19:19) ahead of Courtney Jarrett (19:46).
Mount Alvernia High School’s Karma Lewin (23:59), Chris-Ann Edwards (24:03) and Alana Hall (24:12) claimed first, second and third, respectively.
Back-to-back winner Kerr said having sisters compelled him compelled to support the breast cancer run.
“I feel great because I have four sisters and I want to show my support by giving back to breast cancer patients. It honestly feels good giving back to this cause,” he said.
“My main reason though for doing this is that I love to run. I won last year as well. In this race, the rain made it challenging. The road was a little slippery but overall, it was a good run this morning,” Kerr explained.
Despite winning for the second time,14-year-old Lewin said she was disappointed with her timing this year.
“The race was kind of difficult and I feel disappointed in myself because I didn’t catch my last time. By the time I reached the finishing line I was tired,” she lamented.
“In doing these races, I use them to improve and prepare myself to get fit for Champs. I do the 800 metres and 1500 metres and my goal for the next season is to get a medal. I feel happy for my teammates because we planned on coming in first, second and third and we did,” Lewin told STAR Sports.
Among the participants was 84-year-old Gerline Nelson; and the only person with a disability, visually impaired Robert Blake, who was shadowed.
In the meantime, Nadine Spence, past president and chairperson, Kiwanis Club of Providence-Montego Bay, said she was never concerned about the rain.
“The race was beautiful. October is a rainy month and we have been doing this race for 15 years. When we see the rain, we know people maybe a little bit perturbed but we weren’t. Persons were concerned but they said the race was great and we are happy for the feedback,” she shared.
“We had a little bit less people participating than last year because we decided to close off early. We realise that the last two days before the race there was a rush. There are a lot of people here without a bib so we encouraged them to still run for a cause,” Spence said.
Continuing, Spence said: “This year we had a myriad of sponsors, especially at the last minute and we never expected it. This race is attractive toy many and the ladies of Kiwanis Club of Providence feel honoured that people continue to come out and support year after year.”
