Men show fitness in ‘big belly’ race
There was limited standing or sitting space left on Seaview Road in Stony Hill, St Andrew, after hundreds of persons converged to witness the Big Belly Fitness Race between Winston ‘Conman’ Cruddock and ‘Bird’, a popular taxi operator from the area.
After the betting and amusement, it was Cruddock who came out victorious.
Cruddock, a former boxing promoter who became a contractor, told THE STAR that he is pleased with the turnout and his victory.
“It’s a good feeling. It was a nice initiative by the organisers and for the community. We had a good turnout. It’s a way how communities can move away from crime and violence. I am glad for the victory, even though the race was short-lived for my opponent. I walked away with no self-praise and soundly completed the race. The joy it brought to the community and people on social media was even more overwhelming for me,” he said.
THE ANTICIPATION
The 80-meter race was streamed live on social media, and the organisers are planning to host more races in the future.
“It was fun, and it brought out a whole lot of people. The community loved it, the anticipation exceeded our expectation, and the turnout was exceptional on a nice, cool Sunday afternoon,” one of the organisers told THE STAR.
The showdown saw persons trying their best to get the best view of the race. Persons were seen with recording devices on walls, gates and the tops of vehicles.
Meanwhile, Bird, who did not get to finish the race, told THE STAR that he could not execute his race plan because of an injury he picked up after eight meters.
He reportedly had to seek medical attention for the injury.