Christophe Erceau raises his arms in triumph after winning Sunday’s Half Marathon. (Robert Luckock photo)
Alden Connor out sprints Kai Piscione to win the 10K race. (Robert Luckock photo)
CUPECOY--Christophe Erceau, running for Inter-Generation Club, won Sunday’s revived Lagoon Half Marathon, coasting in under the finish banner in Porto Cupecoy in 1:16:16 to clinch the overall win and the Male Over-40 Category.
Erceau and Max Denot ran side-by-side for about 5K until Erceau switched into overdrive and led the race until the finish.
“It wasn’t my best time for this distance as I’ve been getting over a leg injury,” the 50-year-old said afterwards.
Stephen Seymour finished second overall in 1:17:34 and second in the Over 40s while Max Denot finished third overall (1:18:02) and first in the Under-40 Category. Former French-side journalist Hugo Mercader crossed the line in fourth place overall, evidently with energy to spare as he executed a martial arts-style high kick for the cameras.
Some 37 runners participated in the clockwise Half Marathon around the Lagoon. Celine Verdonck was the first female runner to finish in a time of 1:39:30 and first in the Under-40 group. Clementine Cesari was second in 1:49:36.
The 10K run attracted 34 runners and saw a thrilling neck-and-neck sprint for the finish line between 17-year-old Kai Piscione and Inter Generation’s Alden Connor. Connor prevailed taking first overall in 45:50 and first in Over-40s. Kai Piscione was just one second slower to take second and first Junior to finish. Tino Bruno (16) was the second placed Junior in 55:28 (14th overall).
Third overall went to Koert Kerkhoff in a time of 0:47 and second in the Over-40s. Magalie Merle was the first female runner to finish in 47:39 and first in Over-40s. First in the Under-40s Category was Raymond Witteveen in 48:34 (seventh overall). First female in Under-40s was Katie Smith in 54:26.
Participants enjoyed breakfast at the Rendezvous Lounge and prize-giving afterwards. Complete results are on the Tri Sport website. The event was organised by St. Maarten Roadrunners.
