PORT DE PLAISANCE--Avenir Sportif Club’s Omarco Robinson won Sunday’s Half Marathon during accountancy firm BDO’s first successful outing as title sponsor at Country Club Port de Plaisance.
Over 200 runners took part, including those in the 10K (44 runners including 11 juniors) and 5K (81 runners). Robinson (41) was pushed hard by SXM Tri Academy’s Gregory Pigeon, Raydon Mozard and Jeannot Gouin as the quartet separated themselves from the main pack for the clockwise circumnavigation of the Lagoon, which included a muscle-burning climb up the Cupecoy Hill. But it was Robinson who prevailed in the end finishing in 1:25:36 with Pigeon in second place producing his personal best for the distance in 1:26:42. Mozard and Gouin were separated respectively by 34 seconds for third and fourth places. “I took the lead after 2k and kept in front until the end,” said Robinson afterwards. “But it was very hot even that early in the morning. I was pleased everything went well because it’s been five years since I’ve done a 21K.” Florentien Paanakker was the first woman to finish the Half Marathon in 1:49:37 (21st overall). She is remembered for winning the full Marathon in December 2022, Guardian Group Run and other events. Dutch-side running great Steve Duzanson (56) finished a respectable 15th overall out of the 70 half marathon runners (1:42:54) despite joking the “wheels start to come off as I get older.”
Also spotted further down the list in 44th place was the Commandant of the French-side Fire Brigade, Cyrille Pallud. The 10K was won by James Granger in 42:44, second went to Aleksandar Marinkovic 44:00 and third Stephen Artu 45:00. Julie Pichon was the first woman to finish the 10K in 55:14 and first in Females under 40. Valentin Saint-Amoult won the 5k race in 22:53, Eugene Hoogstad was second 23:02 and third Wilmer Azcarate 23:11. The first woman to finish the 5K was Pauline Delaplace in 25:29 (fifth overall and first in Female under 40). Sophie Berthelot (57) finished ninth overall and topped the females over 40 group. Some American tourists participated in the event; one couple did the 5K. There was also a large group of teenage boys who did the 10K and a big group from Learning Unlimited who did the 5K. Organiser St. Maarten Roadrunners President Krispijn Teunissen was pleased with how the event went, noting it was the first time a new timing system was trialled. The participation of many volunteers ensured it was a success, he emphasised. “Even with the extreme heat these days, no one passed out and there were no emergencies.
A few runners did get cramp though,” added Teunissen. “It was a great atmosphere and several of the managers and employees of BDO took part, living up to their health and wellness philosophy. Paul Lungu was very happy with his turnout. We also greatly appreciated the contribution of sponsor International Liquor & Tobacco Trading (ILTT) as well.” Country Club opened up their swimming pool and showers so runners could cool off afterwards. For complete results go to www. results.sporthive.com/events/
