The Sandals Foundation’s  Trans-Antigua Half Marathon was an incredible success.  On Sunday, there was an excellent turnout at Sandals Grande Antigua for this marquee event that featured single leg amputee world record holder, Rick Ball.  The 45 year-old Canadian paraolympian addressed the crowd before the beginning of the race and said, “I am so happy to be here in Antigua and I want you to know that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and try your best.  If I can do it, anybody can so let’s have fun and enjoy the race.”  It was a special moment when single leg amputee Jamol Pilgrim joined Rick and started the race.  Pilgrim is a former track star who continues to train regularly.  Ball added, “Jamol is a national hero who has so much courage.  He has a great career ahead of him.”

Participants had the option of  running or walking the 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances.  To the delight of onlookers, nine-year-old Trevor Nobel won a silver medal in the 5K male category with an impressive time of 22:27 being edged out by Jameel Nelson’s amazing 19:18 clocking.  Cordova Popeye Simon placed third in a time of 23:21.Action in the 5K was equally exciting in the women’s division with Sarah-Ann Lee taking the top spot in a time of 29:13.  Cynthia Johnson and Karol Alonzo tied for second in a time of 30:28.  In the 10K event, Alison Whitaker captured gold in 54:45, Crystal Shoemaker (1:05.26) was second, while Carol Williams grabbed the bronze medal in 1:08.22.

The half- marathon  race was closely contested among the males with national junior runner George Hypolite emerging as the winner in a time of 1:40.08.  Nevil Nicholls (1:41.31) took the silver medal, and seasoned runner Arthur Mussington took the bronze in a time of 1:47.24.  First in the female category was Lindsay Cooper (2:15.08), while Lindsay Duffy was second in 2:38.04.  Leslie Walwyn was third in a time of 2:58.40.

The race ended at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort and participants were treated to a festive atmosphere.  General Manager Courtney Miller presented Rick Ball with the Trans Antigua Half-Marathon’s Hero Award.  The humble champion accepted the honour and commended the event organizers.  When asked about the race, he recounted a formidable story.  “When I finished the race, I went back out to help encourage the runners to finish.  I hit the first water station about a mile out and the girls there thought I was crazy.  I told them that their water was so good that I had to come back for more!”

Special thanks goes out to the following sponsors: Air Canada Vacations, Gunthropes Water, Anjo Wholesale, Gatorade, First Choice, Cool & Smooth, Oasis Plants and Charlie’s Service Station.  The Trans-Antigua Half Marathon will be an annual event and participants can look forward to more grandeur next year.