Charles, Mitchell top Sangre Grande Educational 5K

Kriston Charles and Aaliyah Mitchell were the top male and female finishers yesterday at the 1st annual 5K Run for Unity organised by the Sangre Grande Educational Institute.

Charles blew away the field to finish over a minute ahead of his nearest rival. Otis Barker followed in second while Kibwe Cromwell came third.

“I’m feeling good about the win, it didn’t really have nobody to beat me,” Charles told Newsday.

The 18-year-old credited the club of renowned local marathon runner Richard Jones for his success

“I’m training with Richard Jones Racing in town (Port of Spain). I’m seeing plenty improvements,” he said.

Mitchell, 11th overall, was the first female across the finish line, while Camille Lewis and Melissa Lockhart-Poliah followed respectively among the women.

Rodney Edwards, Principal of the privately-run secondary school, was pleased with yesterday’s event and is looking forward to making it bigger and better.

“It was held to sensitise the public on healthy living and unity.

“We had a very good turnout from the public. I want to thank Blue Mountain for rising to the occasion and sponsoring prizes and hampers and so on. This is a signature event and we will continue to have this 5K annually,” he said.

Edwards expressed gratitude to Premanand Badaloo, CEO of Blue Mountain, for coming on board as a major sponsor and thanked the Fire Services, especially “Mr Allen and his crew”, and the Police Service.