Runners during the Elite Relay Exchange in Tortola. Photo: Michael Jack/HLSCC

Group image of all of the runners during the Two-Mile Race in Virgin Gorda. Photo: Michael Jack/HLSCC

Runners during the One Mile Races in Tortola. Photo: Michael Jack/HLSCC

Some of the runners after receiving their awards at the end of the One Mile Races in Tortola. Photo: Michael Jack/HLSCC

VG run

Hosted by H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), in collaboration with the Valley Sound Lions, 57 participants gathered in Virgin Gorda on October 19, 2024, for “Fun Run #2,” racing through the scenic Valley in a celebration of life, health, and awareness.

Curwin Andrews claimed his second Virgin Gorda title, clocking in at an impressive 13 minutes 51.16 seconds. He was closely followed by T’khoy Morton and Jadon Abrams, while the women’s division was led by Kaeja Creque of Raw Skillz Track Club (RSTC) at 15 minutes 05.85 seconds, with Sam’Asia Leonard and Eva Fox rounding out the top three. Creque’s performance was her second victory of the series, adding to the energetic display of community spirit and friendly competition.

Tortola run

The series continued on Saturday, October 26, at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus on Tortola, where participants ran in unison with the Breast Cancer Awareness theme. The event included the annual Elite Relay Exchange and the exciting finale of the Under-13 one-mile races.

Chance Williams achieved his third win in the U13 category with a time of 7 minutes 10.12 seconds, while Chrishonda Pinnock celebrated her second win for the girls in 7 minutes 34.18 seconds. In the Elite Relay Exchange, Team Talent Explosion A—comprising Jonathan Lynch, Vadley Slyvester, and Kaleem Lettsome—took the victory with a time of 36 minutes 21.48 seconds, followed by teams Late Comers and Superstars Team C.

‘Inspiring’

Stephanie Russ Penn, Race Director of the Mourant College Classics, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support, stating, “It’s inspiring to see our community come together each year, not only to participate but to stand united for causes that impact us all, like breast cancer awareness.

"These themed events remind us of the power we have when we work as one, and we are truly thankful for our ongoing partnership with Valley Sound Lions Club, who continuously lend their full support and enthusiasm to make each event meaningful,” Russ Penn stated in a press release by HLSCC.

With the final Virgin Gorda race approaching on November 9, 2024, HLSCC and its partners, including Blu Water, Valley Sound Lions, and proud title sponsor Mourant, are committed to making this year’s series conclude with a powerful reminder of community strength, according to the press release.