Visiting from the northeast, Jody Nelson continued training for the 2013 Boston Marathon by running the 7 kilometer race of the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners’ (STAR’s) Kwanzaa Run on Dec. 30. Eager for as much distance training as possible, Nelson engaged an extensive warm up in the Brewers Bay area before joining and going on to win the women’s race in 37 minutes and 2 seconds. In the process, she stayed ahead of most of the men’s field and outpaced women’s second and third place winners, Caitlin Potratz (in 41:24) and local favorite Simone Francis (42:06).
The overall front runner over 7 kilometers was STAR regular Steven Laplace, who ran 34:44 to lead the male runners by almost two minutes. The race had started with teenage cross-country standout Lukata Samuel setting a blistering pace only to succumb to the effects of demanding swimming practice he had completed earlier in the day. Peter Bodri and Bryson Spangler joined Laplace in moving past the early leader to finish second and third overall in 36:23 and 37:04 respectively.
Seven kilometers has particular meaning since each kilometer represents one of Kwanzaa’s seven principles. On this particular day, Nia (purpose) was the principle being observed. Several racers outfitted with GPS watches argued that the newly modified 7K (4.3 mile) course was about seven percent over-distanced. Comparing this year’s finishing times for Laplace, Francis and Samuel to last year’s times gives credence to this claim. Laplace, for example, was five minutes faster last year.
The Kwanzaa two-mile race was convincingly won in 17:40 by Antilles graduate Andrew Casazza, home for the holidays from Flagler College. Teenager D’Ajahni Estrada-Petersen followed in 18:03 with visiting marathoner Neil Hetherington finishing third in 18:07. There were no female two-mile contestants.
Given an odd distribution of participants’ ages, winners were recognized in three age categories: teens, 20 to 39, and 40 and over. Medals and ribbons were awarded to the winners in these age groups (female and male).
STAR’s next two events are the Martin Luther King Jr. 5 Kilometer Run starting at 7:15 a.m. on Jan. 13, and the 30th Annual Women’s Jogger Jam at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 27. For additional information on these races, call 777-3959 or 775-6373 respectively. For information on the Kwanzaa Run, call 777-8183 or send an e-mail message to rawatlington@earthlink.net
………………………………………………………………..
Two Mile Results
1. Andrew Casazza (17:40)
2. D’Ajahni Estrada-Petersen (18:03)
3. Neil Hetherington (18:07)
4. Walter Bostwick (19:44)
7 Kilometer Results – Men
1. Steven LaPlace (34:44)
2. Peter Bodri (36:23)
3. Bryson Spangler (37:04)
4. Lukata Samuel (40:04)
5. Dan Williams (40:35)
6. Jim McMenamin (46:56)
7. Richard Laplace (54:08)
8. Hans Cheetham (54:24)
7 Kilometer Results – Women
1. Jody Nelson (36:23)
2. Caitlin Potratz (41:24)
3. Simone Francis (42:06)
4. Karli McMenamin (43:59)
5. Kira McMenamin (46:57)
6. Elizabeth Laplace (52:26)
7. Nicole Temperton (53:34)
8. Claire Spangler (53:35)
9. Gail Deller (71:33
……………………………………………………………………………….
During the seven days of Kwanzaa, one person greet another by asking Habari Gani ? ,which asks “What’s happening?” The response is to state the current day and principle. On Sunday that was “Nia!” (“purpose,” the principle for the 5th day). Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith) are observed on the last two days. Here’s hoping that you can keep the faith in 2013! You can learn more about Kwanzaa from www.kwanzaa365.com and elsewhere on the world wide web.
