Adrian Frater, News Editor

Belgium's Rik Ceulemans is all alone as he crosses the finish line to win the 2007 Reggae Marathon in Negril yesterday. - Photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU: BELGIUM'S RIK Ceulemans, who took time off from his vacation, and United States' Jeannette Seckinger, a first-time entrant, ran away with the Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies at yesterday's seventh Reggae Marathon in Negril.

The 35-year-old Ceulemans, who entered the event after seeing billboards advertising it in Negril where he was on vacation with his family, was first across the line in the 26-mile event, clocking 2:31.43.

Jamaicans Rupert Green (2:37.22) and defending champion Andrew Gutzmore (2:41.32) finished second and third.

'Running by myself'

"I really enjoyed it out there today as in the latter stages and I was basically running by myself," said Ceulemans, a veteran marathon runner. "This was indeed a lovely addition to a splendid vacation."

The 25-year-old Seckinger, who was running only her fourth marathon, covered the distance in a smooth 3:00.57, which was enough to get her home ahead of defending champion Euleen Josiah-Tanne (3:08.37) of Guyana and Terri Rejibal (3:24.21) of the U.S.

"The heat got a little bit scary at times but in the end it was okay," said Seckinger. "I really enjoy this course and I am sure I will be back to defend by title."

In addition to the Bob and Rita Marley trophies, Ceulemans and Seckinger also pocketed $75,000 for their efforts. The second and third-place finishers took home $50,000 and $25,000, respectively.

School winners

With defending champions Wainard Talbert and Tamica Thomas not around to defend their half marathon titles, 16-year-old Kimoy Campbell, who won the Class Two 5,000m and 1,500m at this year's Boys Champs for Bellefield High School, and reigning national Grand Prix champion Tanice Barnett took the male and female titles.

Campbell completed the 13-miles distance in 1:10.54 to beat Mark Brown (1:10:54), of Kellits into second place. Gregory McKenzie and his uncle, the veteran Linton McKenzie, finished third and fourth with times of 1:11.33 and 1:11.44.

Pleased with event

Barnett (1:28.48) had to sprint all-out to the finish line to get home ahead of schoolgirl Natoya Goule (1:28.52) in a most exciting duel. Amoya Bailey completed a Jamaican sweep, finishing third in 1:31.13.

"Reggae Marathon seven was like a charm and we are absolutely pleased with the way things went," said Alfred Francis, race director of the event. "There is no question that we are right up there with the top marathons in the world."