The numbers were dramatically down in the 27th Annual Women’s Race, sponsored by the St. Croix Women’s Coalition, but the energy was up where it always is.
The 222 registrants for an event that raises money for and public awareness about rape, domestic abuse and other violence against women was only about half the number that has taken part in previous years. But those on hand seemed to make up for their lack of numbers with enthusiasm. The staff from Curves led them in an aerobic warm-up session in the street near the starting line by Customs House in Christiansted. The music was loud. Announcer Claudette “Adjoa” Young-Hinds was shouting out encouragement and about 200 women were keeping the beat together getting into the spirit for a cause.
However, one voice could be heard coming out of the crowd, “Heck, we are going to be tired before the race even starts.”
Clema Lewis, co-director of the Women’s Coalition, said the race is about women getting out to support other women.
“It is all about spirit and about the community coming together,” Lewis said. “This is still a strong showing and we are doing well.”
Mary Mingus, co-director of Women’s Coalition and co-founder of the race, said the current economic slowdown creates more need for the group’s services.
“With the economic downturn there is a lot more tension causing more violence,” Mingus said. “More women are coming to the coalition for help so that is why we need the Women’s Race.”
Running around keeping the race organized was former St. Croix librarian and long-distance runner Wallace Williams. The race was his brainchild and he has played a central role in its coordination for more than two decades.
The two-mile race course led the runners out to Canegata Ball Park and back through Christainsted to the Scale House on the Harbor.
Ninfa Barnard, a 20 year-old student at the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff, came in first with a time of 12:31. She won tis race several times while a student at St. Croix Educational Complex. She said it wasn’t her best time for the race because she hadn’t done much training since coming home for summer break five weeks ago.
Mikaela Smith, only 9-years-old and a tiny slip of a girl, came in second with 12:47. Keith Smith, her St. Croix Mustangs Track Club coach and father, said she is ranked 21st in the nation in her age group.
“She is just really, really good,” Keith Smith said.
Mireille Smith, Mikaela’s mom, finished third with 12:53 “I don’t feel bad about her beating me,” said Mireille Smith, who is also a St. Croix Mustangs Track Club coach.
Lewis said new this year is a Mother and Daughter race category and they gave first, second and third prizes for that. She said since the coalition is in its 30th year they have a prize for the lady that came in 30th place.
Major sponsors of the race were Sonya Ltd., Bank of St. Croix, James River Capital Corp., T.E.A.M., AARP, HH Tire & Battery, James River Capital, Hovensa and ADT.
