SIMPSON BAY--Omarco Robinson set a benchmark time of 25:54 to win the 7.45K inaugural Red Cross Youth Chapter Run in the Men’s category on Sunday, the first race in the “3 For Life” triple running competition to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Alain Boucad was second in 28:40 and Wilfred Sully was third over the line in 29:05.
The short race organised and timed by Tri Sport started at the Red Cross building on the Airport Road, took a right at the roundabout to go through Simpson Bay, up to Cole Bay and the Union Road and over the Causeway Bridge to the finish.
With just 35 runners participating it was a modest turnout, perhaps due to holidays or the word had not got out to everyone, however, there are still two more events to come.
Some of the youth Red Cross volunteers followed the runners on bicycles to assure safety, a “green” initiative appreciated by Tri Sport’s Juan Pablo Piscione.
“They could ride close to the runners and respond if anyone was in trouble,” he said.
Kai Piscione (15) was the top junior finishing in 33:10 (11th overall) a few places ahead of his dad in 17th overall (35:30). Edwinson Gourdet (16) was the second placed junior in 59:18 (31st overall).
The women’s race was won by Birgit van Lieshout in 34:11 (14th overall), Pascale Tschirhart second in 38:19 (18th overall) and Alex Oosterhof third in 42:56 (23rd overall).
Category winners collect points for each race. Points will be calculated to determine the winner at the end of the three race series during a prize giving on November 15. The next race is 10K scheduled for September 13.
The Youth Chapter is a division of the St. Maarten Red Cross which carries out relief efforts throughout St. Maarten in response to human and natural disasters and has participated in providing supplies and relief in the region and internationally.
Over 50 young people have been recruited into the Youth Chapter over last year and they are in training with the help of the Dutch marines. 30 of those youngsters are now licenced in Basic Life Support, CPR and using the AED.
“Through creativity, willingness and dedication, the Youth Chapter contributes to fundraising and charity work,” Red Cross officials noted. “They raise funds to buy supplies needed for the Red Cross, raise money for events and importantly for their annual Disaster Youth Camp organised with other Red Cross youth groups in the Caribbean. The camp helps train the youth to be prepared for disasters and build a strong connection between the Caribbean islands.
“Under the guidance of Alexandria Baly-Stanford, Manager Sharmaine Rivers and Youth Coordinator Elroy Hughes we intend to continue our efforts in the community and continue regional cooperation with our sister islands.”
The race was sponsored by Tri Sport, Carl and Sons and Prime for the breakfast, T-Shirt Max and Belgian Chocolate Factory. The police and volunteers assisted for security on the road.
