KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nineteen year old Dwayne Powell of Kingston College could not contain himself when he crossed the finish line, winning the 11th Sigma Corporate 5K Run which took place in Kingston, Sunday morning (March 15).
In an interview immediately after the race Powell said his key to victory was the tremendous start which he got, compared to last year when he had to battle back to finish third.
“This year I broke out early, and I immediately took the lead. When I reached the Canadian High Commission Office I saw I was way out in front, and I just kept the momentum right through to the end.”
Powell, who finished first at the CARIFTA Track and Field Trials just recently, said he attributed his victory to veteran Andrew Gutzmore who pressed him all the way. The mild mannered student said the course was much harder than 2008, due to the “uphill” in the middle of the course, hence the slower time.
Last year, National Champion Rupert Green clocked 17 minutes and four seconds compared to Powell’s 18 minutes and 25 seconds this year.
Powell, who is coached by Kamin Pagon, says he is looking forward to this year’s Boy’s Championship where he’ll be running the 5000 meters.
With the look of amusement on the face of international dancehall artiste Shaggy, perhaps PanCaribbean’s head honcho could be saying, ‘come on now Shaggy, it’s only a 5K run. You can do it’.
The PanCaribbean SIGMA Corporate Run, now in its 11th year, raised $14.258 million for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, thanks to matching donations from the National Health Fund. Ultimately, over 9,500 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants made their way around the 5K course representing over 100 companies and private individuals. Notable corporate sponsors include Reggae Marathon, Peak Bottling Company, The Gleaner Company, RJR Communications Group, Digicel, Pepsi, National Baking Company and Ocean Spray Cranberry Wata.
For official results visit:
www.gopancaribbean.com
