Corine Alimelie (right) and Clement Lepelletier cross the finish line together after completing the Half Marathon on Sunday. (Photo Robert Luckock)
CUPECOY—Francois Roussas, a fireman on holiday from Guadeloupe, won Sunday’s Coors Light half marathon on Sunday but it was perennial local favourites Steve Duzanson and Omarco Robinson who stole the limelight, the latter winning the 10K comfortably in 38:15.
Roussas completed the half marathon course in 1:21:10 to win but was overshadowed by a sensational return to form from 52-year-old Steve Duzanson who finished second in 1:22:22 beating third placed Gregoire Pigeon (1:23:02).
The half marathon course was extended this year to make it the true distance compared to the shorter distance last year. Roussas, whose partner Aisha Augusty also participated in the 10K finishing first in her 18-39 age group said he had seen the race advertised and decided to run.
“I was quite satisfied with my time considering it was a hilly course,” he said afterwards. “I am also a running coach for kids as well as being a fireman so I didn’t have that much time to train.”
Other noteworthy performances came from Dutch marine 21-year-old Tim de Jong, sixth overall in 1:28:38 and mountain biker turned runner Jeannot Govin who finished fourth overall in 1:26:50. Celine Verdonck won the women’s 21K race in the 30-39 category in 1:43:31.
Omarco Robinson did not disappoint and looked to be on good form winning the 10K though he said his training has been off and on but is now training more consistently. Maxime Krusewska was second (39:20) and Alain Boucaud third (41:21). Former French-side journalist Hughes Mercader was fifth (44:30).
Magalie Merle was first in Women 40 plus category with a time of 46:47. 17-year-old Joris Roosens was first in the Junior 13-18 category finishing in 53:33.
There was a good turnout for both events organized by St. Maarten Roadrunners, 49 entries for the half marathon and 66 for the 10K. Cash prizes were sponsored by Coors Light and Ida Beentjes donated art work as prizes. Rendezvous Lounge sponsored the breakfast. Complete results can be viewed on Tri Sport’s website.
