The annual Amarone Charitable Trust 5K Trail Mix took place last weekend on Saturday, September 28. Now in its fifth year, the event kicked off in the early morning at Peg Farm & Nature Reserve on Easy Hall Plantation in St Joseph. The Mix started with the Ruck UP 5K, a five-kilometre trek which saw 30 athletes face the starter. Males carried 30-lb rucksacks while females carried 20 lbs.
Ron Small was the first finisher in a time of 28 minutes and 31 seconds. “It was tough for me out there,” said Small. “I didn’t have anyone out there to push me so I just had to try and give myself a target time and go after it”
Small was indeed four minutes ahead of the next man, Patrick ‘Salt’ Bellamy at 32:16, with Anton Nicholls third in 32:19.
Danielle Gonsalves tried to give Small a challenge, eventually finishing as the first female, reclaiming her 2023 title, and placing second overall in the 2024 field in a time of 30:43. Erlene Pooran was second in 32:21, and popular social media pilot, Fiona Catwell made her first Barbados Adventure Race podium in third place in 35:56.
The action took a break and came back in the afternoon for the 5K run. Start time conditions were 10 degrees cooler than last year, 32°C vs 42°C, and it was definitely reflected in the performances.
Over 100 runners took to the start line, the largest field since the pandemic, and the mens podium was already decided by the 2km mark. Luke McIntyre, Nathaniel Nurse, and Shamel Maynard maintained their positions all the way to the finish line with McIntyre finishing in a course record of 18:29 and Nurse and Maynard finishing in 18:47 and 19:11 respectively.
Arrabella Lauder, a new face on the running scene in Barbados, seemed poised to upset last year’s female champion Laila McIntyre. However, she was eventually overtaken by both McIntyre and double champion, Carlie Robinson.
Winners, including age group athletes, received over $6000.00 in cash prizes along with prizes from sponsors; Surfside Wellness Centre, BAR Run Club, Ruck UP, Danni G Activewear, and Rejuvenate Spa.
Men’s Podium:
- Luke McIntyre 18:29
- Nathaniel Nurse 18:47
- Shamel Maynard 19:11
Women’s Podium:
- Laila McIntyre 22:43
- Carlie Robinson 23:01
- Arrabella Lauder 23:06
(PR)