Participants from eight CARICOM Member States, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago ran the 18th CARICOM Road Race 10K event, which took place on Saturday, July 5. The event was held at Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
A CARICOM media release described the race as a key prelude to the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled for 6-8 July in Montego Bay.
Held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness of Jamaica, the theme “Caribbean Moves” was inspired by Jamaica’s “Jamaica Moves” initiative, which promotes physical activity and wellness across the island.
In the female category, Trinidad and Tobago’s Alexia John secured first place and was awarded the CARICOM Secretary-General’s Trophy. She also claimed the overall female category prize. Carlie Robinson from Barbados and Cindy Rose from Jamaica finished second and third, respectively. In the male category, Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Romany took top honors, earning the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy. Garfield Gordon of Jamaica and Cleveland Thomas of Guyana finished second and third in the overall male category.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the importance of the race as part of CARICOM Day celebrations, emphasizing its symbolic and regional significance. “This [Road Race] is particularly special because it is Jamaica’s signature event to commemorate CARICOM Day, which is observed on July 4. CARICOM Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a moment for reflection and renewal, a time for us to take stock of how far we have come as a Community, and to chart the path ahead for purpose and ambition,” he stated.
CARICOM also reports the introduction of a 5K run and walk, encouraging more participation in promoting physical activity. Both Prime Minister Holness and Dr. Barnett presented awards during the event, with other officials from Jamaica and the CARICOM Secretariat in attendance.
The release also said that the CARICOM Secretariat views the race as a platform to advocate for healthier lifestyles among Caribbean nationals, fostering regional efforts toward improved health outcomes.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett emphasized the race’s role in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), remarking, “Thank you to all the participants for making this message loud and clear to the Community: that it is important for all of us to keep moving. Jamaica moves, CARICOM moves, we all move towards a healthier way of living.”
The complete list of winners for 10k run is available here.
See interviews with top-prize winners:
