Odane Davidson and Christina Brown claim CR Manchester City 5K titles

Odane Davidson and Christina Brown took the top male and female honours at Sunday’s CR Manchester City 5K road races in Mandeville, where the event also featured walking and cycling contests.

Davidson, a former athlete for Bellefield and Calabar High Schools, completed the 5K in 17 minutes 17.84 seconds to secure his second title at the meet. Winston Dehaney placed second in 17 minutes 56 seconds, while Cedric Francis was third in 17 minutes 58 seconds.

Davidson said the early stage of the race was tightly grouped before he decided to break away. He said he was encouraged by his progress after recently resuming training following Champs, and was now preparing for upcoming 5K events, including Reggae Marathon and True Juice races.

Brown, who was competing in the event for the first time, won the women’s race in 27 minutes. Veteran Sonia Gayle finished about a minute and a half behind her, with Kerry Forrester third in 31 minutes 27 seconds.

The Church Teachers’ College runner said it had been some time since she last raced over 5K and admitted the conditions were demanding. She noted that the morning heat in Mandeville was difficult and said she nearly lost her way before receiving help along the course.

In cycling, Joan Williams of Central Cycling Club retained his title on the new 12K route, finishing in 24 minutes 39 seconds. Jermaine Daley of Church Street Spinners was second in 28 minutes 39 seconds, while Williams’ teammate Sekou Ne Sullivan took third in 32 minutes 29 seconds.

Williams said the route was familiar and included several hills, which added to the challenge. He also welcomed the turnout from cyclists supporting the event.

Omroy Samuels of the Jamaica Constabulary Force won the men’s 5K walk in 30 minutes 59 seconds, while Natasha McKenzie topped the women’s walk in 36 minutes. Just under 600 participants took part in this year’s races.