Rain no bother for ICBL Fun Walk, Run showing

A record 917 competitors took part in the fourth annual ICBL Family Fun Walk and Run which was held in bleak conditions yesterday morning.
On a day when Barbadians celebrated their National Heroes, 80 10K runners, 241 5K competitors and 596 5K walkers began the event under the statue of Sir Grantley Adams in front of Government Headquarters on Bay Street.
The first competitor to cross the finish line in driving rain was Patrick Bourne who came home in 17 minutes, 55 seconds, ahead of Hakeem Newton (18:03) and Lester Phillips (18:45) in the 5K. 
The consistent Carlie Pipe took first spot among the women in the 5K with a time of 20:08 to be followed by Donna Brome and Angela Skeete.
The men’s 10k was won by Reynold Walters in 39:58 with Vikash Chatrani placing second and Corey McClean third. Donna Gibbs dominated for the women in the 10K with a time of 48:42 with Christine Richards and Sonia Adamson holding second and third.
Rodney Blackman won the walk in a time of 29:12 with 16-year-old Terrel Cumberbatch placing second in a unique situation where he was the only competitor under 40 years to end among the first 18 walkers. Third place went to Eon Mitchell. 
The women’s section also proved the vitality of the veterans with Veta Batson leading home Marlean Stewart and Malrid Griffith – all past the half-century mark.
Part of the funds raised will be given to the Asthma Association of Barbados for which May is Asthma Awareness Month.
Director and chief executive officer of ICBL, Ingrid Innes, who disclosed that she was an asthma sufferer, expressed thanks to participants and volunteers who braved the showers to walk and run for the worthy cause. (KB)