Nicholas Romany won the 17th edition of UWI Spec International Half-Marathon with a time of one hour, 13 minutes, and 43 seconds when he crossed the finish line at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus on Sunday.
Romany, a resident of Maraval and a T&T Road Runners Club outstanding road runner so far for 2023, was pushed all the way by the unattached pair of Alex Ekesa and Tafari Waldron during the event which also had a 5K segment.
The race made a return after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UWI’s Faculty of Sport used the event and opportunity to promote the rhythm of athleticism while enduring challenges and pushing to one’s limit.
The inclusion of the 5K race was to target a broader spectrum of individuals while encouraging participation. UWI aims to contribute to youth development through sports, with all proceeds from both the half-marathon and the 5k event going towards talented sports juniors for their tertiary education.
The half-marathon commenced from UWI Spec at 5 am with an estimated 1,800 runners (men and women) and took the field east through the Priority Bus route to D’Abadie before making a loop and back to the starting point. The top three overall winners from both the male and female categories were awarded in addition to their medals, which they received at the end of the race.
Ramany was followed home by Ekesa, who clocked 1:13:51, and Waldron in 1:15:09. In the women’s category, Cecilia Mobuchon from Golden Star club led with a time of 1:20:47. Seasoned campaigner Samantha Shukla was second in a time of 1:31:11 and Chantel Le Maitre secured third place in 1:41:59.
In the 5K, George Smith from Defence Force placed first in 17 minutes and 21 seconds, followed by Kurwin Phillip in 19:34 and Kris Deonanan in 19:50. Meanwhile, Chennai Moore topped the women’s category in 22 minutes and 12 seconds. Wendy D’Arbasie from team Unattached was second in a time of 23.49 and Asma Charles in 24.14.
This year, UWI was in collaboration with the National Association of Athletics Administration of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee.
RESULTS
HALF-MARATHON TOP FIVE MALE
Nicholas Romany, Bib #855, Club TTRRC, 01:13:43
Alex Ekesa Bib #3, Club Unattached, 01:13:51
Tafari Waldron, Bib #853, Club Unattached, 01:15:09
Collin Pereira, Bib #783, Club Defence Force, 01:16:17
Christopher Mitchell, Bib #924, Club Defence Force, 01:17:27
HALF MARATHON TOP FIVE WOMEN
Cecilia Mobuchon, Bib #1047, Club Golden Star, 01:20:47
Samantha Shukla, Bib #5, Club Unattached, 01:31:11
Chantel LeMaitre, BIb #643, Club Unattached, 01:41;59
Christine Regis, Bib #14, Club Athletics Central, 01:42:37
Linda McDowall, Bib #624, Club Unattached, 01:44:49
5K TOP FIVE MEN
George Smith, Bib #5502, Club Defence Force, 17:21
Kurwim Ohillio, Bib #5478, Club Unattached, 19:34
Kris Deonanan, Bib #5003, Club One More Mile, 19:50
Oneal Paponette, Bib #5716, Club Cheetahs Athletic Club, 20:33
Joshaun Collier, Bib #5313, Club +One A Week, 20:36
5K TOP FIVE WOMEN
Chennai Moore, Bib #5714, Club Cheetahs Athletic Club 22:12
Wendy D’Arbasie, Bib # 5765, Club Unattached, 23.49
Asma Charles, Bib # 5295, Club +One A Week, 24:14
Paula Pierre, Bib #5297, Club Unattached, 25:06
Roxanne McKenna, Bib #5663, Club TTRRC, 25:53