The St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR) concluded its 2013 race calendar with the Kwanzaa Runs (and Walks) on Dec. 29. There were 7K and 2-mile events – both walks and runs.
Both events circled the University of the Virgin Islands field and then headed east to the airport traffic light. The two-miler returned to the field while the longer event followed Airport Road to the Island Beachcomber bus stop and then returned. Medals and ribbons were awarded to the winners in several age groups (female and male). Overall best-time winners for the 2-mile run were youngsters Naim Berry in 24:17 for the females and Silas Wisehart in 17:04 for the males. The next oldest group of two-milers was led by Richard Laplace with Marcella Laplace and Ryan Wisehart leading the even more mature group. Three persons contested as 2-mile walkers. Marilyn Brandt came in first in 33:16, STAR regular Benita Martin edged out male walking companion Jamiel Martin 45:11 to 45:13.
In the 7K run-seasoned runner Eddie Butcher shadowed Charlotte Amalie High School cross-country standout Lukata Samuel until the last quarter mile when he took the lead to win by seven seconds in 28:56. Mike Peterson and Michael Sheesley finished strong in third and fourth, respectively, not far behind. Last year’s winner, Steve Laplace, medaled in his age group just behind Steve Jupinko, who was sixtth overall and medaled in the next youngest age group. Competing in Laplace’s age group, Jim McMenamin brought it in for the seniors in 40:56. It should be mentioned that subdividing age groups was made difficult by the range of competitors’ ages – from 10 to 64 – in a race with 24 people.
In the women’s 7K, Karli McMenamin took over the lead after three miles to win in 37:12, holding off a strong comeback by her pursuer, Morgan Wilson, (37:50), who had led from the start. Ashely McDonald finished third among the twenty somethings, who, as a group, were only three to four minutes ahead of masters’ runner Lisa Wisehart.
Complete Results
Female 2-Mile Walk
Marilyn Brandt (33:16)
Benita Martin (45:11)
Male 2-Mile Walk
Jamiel Martin (45:13)
Female 2-Mile Run
Naim Berry (24:17)
Marcella Laplace (33:00)
Majestik Estrada-Peterson (37:09)
Ellis Wisehart (42:01)
Ryan Wisehart (42:48)
Male 2-Mile Run
Silas Wisehart (17:04)
D’Ajahni Estrada-Peterson (17:49)
Bilal Muhammad (20:46)
Richard Laplace (21:15)
Ryan Wisehart (42:48).
Female 7K Run
Karli McMenamin (37:12)
Morgan Wilson (37:50)
Ashley MacDonald (39:10)
Ellis Wisehart (42:01)
Lisa Wisehart (42:01)
Male 7K Run
Eddie Butcher (28:56)
Lukata Samuel (29:03)
Mike Peterson (29:22)
Michael Sheesely (31:57)
Steve Jupinko (33:02)
Steven Laplace (33:09)
Jim McMenamin (40:56)
Tyler Smith (42:24)
habari1_kwanzaaland ? On race day, the principle being observed was Ujima (cooperative economics).
For additional information, call Roy Watlington at 777-8183 or e-mail rawatlington@earthlink.net.
