Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
National representatives Gregory McKenzie and Merrecia James captured the overall titles, but Jason Spence and Jacquelyn McKenzie won the big $40,000 community prizes at Sunday's Clarendon 10K.
The race, which was staged by the Clarendon Crime Prevention Committee in collaboration with the parish development com-mittee, saw McKenzie crossing the line in 35 minutes and 10 seconds, while James took the women's section in 45 minutes and 31 seconds.
Kevin Campbell (36:29.00) and Damion Bent (36:38.00), both also national representatives finished second and third, respectively, while Carlene Blagrove (46:22.00) and Nadine Henry (47:06.00) were the female runners-up.
Both winners collected trophies and $10,000 for the event, which took runners from the Texaco Gas Station at Osborne Store to end at Leiba's Esso Tigermart in May Pen.
McKenzie said apart from the weather, things went well.
"I had to sit back for the first 4K and see how the race was going and after that I took the lead and each kilometre I ran I tried to increase the pace.
"I am pleased with the time because this is my first race since High Mountain (10K), so that's a good start for me for the September season," he said.
NO CHALLENGES
James said apart from the sun, she had things her way.
"I didn't have much challenges, only the sun," James said as leading competitors Natoya Goule, Tamika Thomas and Areita Martin were absent as they are in Columbia for the CAC Games.
"I started the race a bit slow then gradually increased my pace, then gave it my all in the final 2K," she added.
Meanwhile, Spence (37:45.00) beat Feurtado Archibald (38:44.00) and Jassette Bromfield (35:58.00) for the community prize, while McKenzie (57:18.00) beat Judith Thomas (58:43.00) and Shonaya Price (1:05.26) for the female crown.
Spence and Archibald took home $40,000 each, while the second and third place finishers walked away with $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.
Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, Minister of Local Government and Environ-ment Dean Peart, along with MPs Mike Henry and Pearnel Charles and Mayor of May Pen, Milton Brown, were among the supporters.
