Romany, Shukla win Venture Credit Union 5K titles

NICHOLAS Romany and Samantha Shukla were crowned champions of the Venture Credit Union 5K Run and Fun Walk, which was held near the Couva branch on September 15.

Romany and Kenyan Alex Ekesa continued their rivalry on local soil at the event. Romany, who trains around the Queen's Park Savannah multiple times per week, emerged victorious this time around in a close finish.

Romany ended in 14 minutes and 37 seconds (14:37) to claim first place. Ekesa was just behind and finished in 14:38, one second after Romany.

Tafari Waldron, a Carifta 5,000-metre champion, grabbed third spot in 14:53. Waldron, still a teenager, is one of Romany's training partners.

Rounding off the top five overall and in the men's category were Collin Pereira (15:43) and Donnell Francis (16:05).

There was no surprise that Shukla won the women's category as she has been dominating women's events over the past decade.

Shukla won in a time of 19:33, which was fast enough to finish 30th overall.

Carifta athlete Aniqah Bailey was second in 20:14 and April Francis finished third among the women in 20:32.

Chennai Moore, 11, continued to demonstrate her ability as she finished fourth in 20:52. Moore competes in events throughout the country with her family making trips from their home in Valencia to support. Teresa Otero was fifth in 21:16.

Over 1,200 participants completed the race.

Results:

Men

Nicholas Romany - 14:37

Alex Ekesa - 14:38

Tafari Waldron - 14:53

Collin Pereira - 15:43

Donnell Francis - 16:05

Women

Samantha Shukla - 19:33

Aniqah Bailey - 20:14

April Francis - 20:32

Chennai Moore - 20:52

Teresa Otero - 21:16