Rick Ball Centre with local boy Jamol Pilgrim during Sunday's race

Rainy weather did not stop 200 people from participating in the second annual Sandals Foundation Trans-Antigua Half Marathon. With Canadian world record holder Rick Ball by their side, runners and walkers went the distance in the 5K, 10K and half marathon.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the community support,” said an ecstatic Ball who has transitioned from a world class distance runner to a world class sprinter over the past year. The marquee event featured Antigua and Barbuda’s sprinting sensation Jamol Pilgrim and the reigning Queen of Carnival, Latisha Greene.

Primary and secondary school’s embraced the event and Antigua Girls High School was awarded a prize for being the school with the most participants. The half marathon proved to be a very competitive field with Andre Martin and Rory Butler taking the top two spots in the male category. The top three female finishers were Candace Chumley, Lindsay Duffy and Kevinia Francis. The route started at Sandals Grande Antigua and ended at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort where participants were treated to food, refreshments and entertainment.
The Sandals Foundation’s Gerald Christ commended the Ministry of Sports for ensuring that the logistics were well taken care of. “We are really happy that the Ministry of Sports came on board because their expertise has been invaluable and they understand the importance of promoting youth development in sports through community initiatives,” commented Christ after completing the 5K walk. Proceeds from the event will go towards constructing a multi-purpose court for the Antigua Girls High School.

Corporate sponsorship for the event grew exponentially this year. Diamond sponsors included Xtreme Health and Fitness Ltd, LIME, Anjo Wholesalers, Gatorade, Home and Office Depot, A.S. Bryden and Charlie’s Service Station. Gold sponsors were Cool and Smooth, Bike Plus, First Choice and Island Routes. Plans are already underway for next year’s race.

Students from the Antigua Girls High with Rick Ball