George Henry, Gleaner Writer
Left: Female 10K winner, Vere Technical's Stacey Bell, is assisted by two Jamaica Defence Force soldiers at the end of the race on Sunday in Williamsfield. Right: American Edmund Burke crosses the finish line to win the overall title at the High Mountain 10K on Sunday. - PHOTO BY GEORGE HENRY
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
EDMUND BURKE of Shore Athletics Club, New Jersey in the United States, brushed aside local long distance runners to win the 24th staging of the annual High Mountain 10K Road Race at Williamsfield in Manchester on Sunday.
Cheered by a crowd of over 12,000 spectators, Burke gave an excellent display of what long distance running is all about while he traversed the gruelling route up the steep hill along the Winston Jones Highway, through Kendal, along the stretch from the Windalco Kirkvine Plant, then to Content on his way to the finish line at the Williamsfield roundabout.
The slimly built runner powered his way across the finish line ahead of his closest rival Waynard Talbert, of Holmwood Technical, while clocking a smart time of 31 minutes .52 seconds to the delight of a loud cheering appreciative crowd. Talbert tried his best to keep close with the American but had to settle for the second place with a time of 32 minutes 23 seconds.
However, the greatest disappoint-ment for the crowd which comprised mainly residents of Manchester was the third place finish of home boy Michael 'Breezy' Tomlinson. He clocked 33 minutes six seconds. However, his performance was well appreciated, as it was later learnt that the three-time champion was using the 10K to start his training for the season.
SET FOR NEXT WEEK
In an interview following the race, Burke said that he enjoyed the route, though difficult, and also stated that if invited next year, he would be back to defend his trophy.
The female 10K went to Vere Technical's Stacey Bell in 39 minutes 33 seconds. Bell won ahead of last year's champion Tamica Thomas of Tacius Golding High who clocked 39 minutes 55 seconds, while the third spot was taken by Deirdre Brill of Philadelphia, also a Shore Athletic Club athlete. Brill's time was 41 minutes 11 seconds
In the 5K event, Manchester High's Natoya Goule's time of 17 minutes 54 seconds gave her victory over her teammate Niesha Morgan who clocked 17 minutes 55 seconds, while third place went to Vere's Taniesha Davis with a time of 18 minutes 25 seconds.
CHAMPION MALE AND FEMALE
The male 5K went to Bellefield High's Kemoy Campbell, who clocked 15 minutes 25 seconds. Second place went to Edwin Allen's Conroy Crossman, with a time of 16 minutes 01seconds. The third place with a time of 16 minutes 22 seconds went to Anthniel Prince of Porus High.
The wheelchair 5K for men went to Toto Campbell in a time of 21 minutes 44 seconds. Second was David Christie in a time of 22 minutes 14 seconds. while third went to Alphanso Cunningham in 30 minutes two seconds. In the female category, Colleen Morrison was first in 30 minutes 50 seconds. Her closest rival was Shanelle Headley, who clocked 46 minutes 32 seconds for second.
Bellefield and Edwin Allen were champion male and female 10K school teams respectively, while the 5K champion male and female titles went to Alston High and Lewisville High.
