‘Take Emancipation into homes,’Freedom Run 5K ready for 22nd edition

As the Walke Street Emancipation Committee prepares to host the 22nd edition of the Freedom Run 5K event in Sangre Grande on August 1 (Emancipation Day), race organiser Montsho Masimba is calling for the message of emancipation to be spread throughout homes.

The community race is expected to feature approximately 600 runners and registration is $40. There will be over $6,000 in cash prizes on offer in the male and female open categories, and Masimba said this year’s race will see two participants from 17-21 receiving scholarships from two institutions in the Sangre Grande district. Masimba said the one-year scholarships are valued at $14,000 each and will give the respective winners the opportunity to attain CXC passes in subjects offered by the two colleges.

Masimba was eager for the staging of the inaugural event, which he described as “much more than a 5K.”

April Francis and Kenya’s Alex Ekesa, the winners of last year’s women’s and men’s races, are expected to face the starter for the Freedom Run in a few weeks. Ekesa, who also won the event in 2019, is expected to face stiff competition from top local distance runner Nicholas Romany and competitors from Guyana and Jamaica.

“This race is going to be really exciting as we have three or four runners who are currently clocking identical times on the circuit,” Masimba told Newsday.

Ekesa copped the TT International Marathon in January, and he’ll be hoping to continue his dominance when he takes on the Freedom Run course.

On the women’s side, Francis is expected to face competition from youngster Chennai Moore, a member of Cheetahs Athletic Club. Moore won the Nisco 10K event in Penal last year, in addition to the Sweaters 5K Fun Run. She has already been tipped for greatness by Masimba.

“I have mentioned to people she will be Olympic material,” Masimba said. “She’s not a teenager yet and she’s already among the top female runners in the country.

“The fact that they’re running in the community, the runners get that extra support as people line the streets. They love the atmosphere that’s generated by the race.”

Masimba is also hoping to see the participation of experienced TT distance runner Tonya Nero.

He said they are targeting a 1.30 pm start for race day, with participants being able to register from 11 am on the day. At present, registration is also open to the public at the Sangre Grande market on weekends from 9 am to 2 pm.

“It’s not just a 5K event. It’s a day when we as a people come together to give thanks to our ancestors.

“The concept of emancipation and freedom should be nurtured and taught in homes...no longer slavery must be allowed. It should be resisted at all costs.”

He said spreading the message and importance of emancipation shouldn’t be limited to people of African descent.

The Freedom Run will also feature a cultural show, a mini-plant show, displays of art sculptures and a lecture focusing on the theme: Why wars? The Sangre Grande Cordettes band will also be honoured, along with a former member of the Molombo drumming group.