Talbert

While some of his peers have turned to wrongdoing, Wainard Talbert has been running - literally - away from trouble for years.

And, by the look of things, trouble might not catch up with him because he has opened up a seemingly unassailable lead.

Talbert, who is from humble origins in Clarendon, started running because of a love of athletics. Today, the popular long-distance runner is living a dream because he has found something he loves to do and he's getting paid to do it.

"I was able to purchase cows and goats, and use that investment to pay for school and assist with challenging bills that my family was faced with. Now that I have left school, I am able to finance educating myself further through the sport," Talbert reminisced.

The Clarendonian, affectionately called 'Jump Up', is one of many athletes who can now concentrate on the development of their athletic abilities instead of relegating it to a hobby.

Long live the king

Talbert, who was hailed as 'king of road races' in 2006, is a product of the local series. In addition to producing star athletes, the races also provide an opportunity for runners to earn a livelihood. This is possible because of the healthy support the road race series receives from corporate Jamaica.

The prize money earned by the athletes allows them to focus on their sport - and earn a living.

High school athletes who also excel in the road race series deve-lop their athletic ability and enhance the development of the sport in their schools. Additionally, the students are able to access scholarships for further educational and sporting opportunities.