Oral Anderson of The Gleaner's Information Systems department, an entrant in the Gleaner-sponsored Reggae Marathon, taken on September 23, 2005. - Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Oral Anderson, 44, placed 27th in the half marathon (masters category ages 40-49) at the annual Reggae Marathon Challenge on December 2 in Negril.

An employee in the Information Systems department at The Gleaner Company, he, along with two other Gleaner challenge participants, Denise Dixon and Michelle Belnavis, set out at 5:15 a.m. on the streets of Negril in the half marathon. Belnavis placed 360th, Dixon placed 384th and Anderson who was gunning for first place, was disappointed in his performance. He notes that placing 27th was as result of being out of shape. And if he had entered the full marathon he might have placed in the top three.

Disappointment

Anderson was about four miles ahead of those in the full marathon who placed third and beyond. He also pointed out that his long work hours also contributed to his disappointment because he was not able to train as he should.

He is no stranger to the half marathon having run it six times before. He said it is much more challenging. And the race is definitely more competitive and requires more speed. For him, the greatest disappointment, however, is that only the winner is rewarded financially. So, he may not be entering next year. But, because he loves to run, he will be trying out for the Barbados marathon come next year.