Canadians top f irst Run for Fun Cruise Reggae Getaway 5K

CANADIANS FINISHED first and second in both the men’s and women’s categories as Runnings Events hosted its first ‘Run For Fun Cruise Reggae Getaway 5K’ last Tuesday in Ocho Rios.

Approximately 150 runners, who arrived in the port of Ocho Rios aboard the Norwegian Getaway, participated in the event, which took them from the pier along Main Street, Evelyn Street, DaCosta Drive and on to Mystic Mountain, where they spent time enjoying the attraction.

Forty-six-year-old Simon Taylor of Oakville, Ontario, emerged overall male winner in a time of 27:06, ahead of Bruce Lamb, 63, of Lucan, also in Ontario, 29:37. Third place went to Tom Trytek, 60, of Harpswell, Maine, USA, who clocked 30:24.

In the women’s category, Shelly Boyer, 48, of London, SW Ontario, finished first in 29:10, ahead of Jenny Lamb, 62 of Lucan, who clocked 32:13. Third was Joann Andryshak, 45, of Florida, who finished in 32: 29

Meanwhile, race director of Runnings Events Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis said he was delighted that Running Events had been chosen to organise the 5K Cruise Run and expressed hope that this could be the start of many such events to come.

“We have the perfect ports available in Ocho Rios and Falmouth for stopovers for these cruise runs, which are in keeping with plans to grow sports tourism in Jamaica,” Francis said.

While here, the visitors also donated running shoes for distribution to students who will participate in other Running Events road races throughout the year.

From left: Diane Ellis, Running Events; Jill Beardsley of the Dick Beardsley Foundation; Jason Hall, deputy director, Jamaica Tourist Board; and Dick Beardsley, celebrated USA distance runner whose course records are legendary. He is also an author and...

From left: Simon Taylor, who emerged overall male winner, Kristen Page and Fred Wagner.