Garfield Gordon and Giselle James win Guardian Shine 5K Kingston night run

Garfield Gordon and Giselle James claimed the top male and female titles at the opening leg of the Guardian Group Shine 5K night run, staged in Kingston on Saturday.

Gordon, representing UCT Steppers, won the men’s 5K in 16 minutes and 15 seconds. Kemoy Leslie of Rainforest Caribbean placed second in 16 minutes and 27 seconds, while Royal Gordon, also of UCT Steppers, was third in 16 minutes and 34 seconds. Gordon said competing at night was more demanding because conditions felt hotter than in the morning.

In the women’s race, James of Vere Technical finished first in 21 minutes and 25 seconds. Dande Williams of Pacers Running Club was next in 21 minutes and 41 seconds, and Monique Campbell of Bustamante Hospital took third in 24 minutes and 25 seconds. James described the run as difficult, saying she stayed close to Kemesha Frater and focused on keeping her composure.

The 5K walk titles went to Jason Flynn and Carleen Vollest. Flynn won the men’s walk in 31 minutes and 4 seconds, while Vollest secured the women’s event in 34 minutes and 34 seconds.

Guardian Life Limited president Megan Miller-Brown said organisers were pleased with the response, noting that more than 4,900 people took part, about 20 per cent higher than last year’s turnout. She said the team had hoped to reach 5,000 participants but was still happy with the increase.

The series is scheduled to close with its second leg at Harmony Park in Montego Bay on May 30. Miller-Brown said organisers expect more than 5,000 participants there. Proceeds from this year’s Guardian Group Shine 5K Night Run will support Kingston Public Hospital, Falmouth Hospital and the community development group Project STAR.