Maxford Pipe held off Emrol Amsterdam to win the HLSCC VG Series opener on Saturday in a time of 12:35.57. Photo credit: Todd Van Sickle

Casey McNutt, the 2010 and 2012 female champion, crossed the line first for the ladies in a time of 15 minutes 07.92 seconds. Photo: Todd van Sickle

Maxford Pipe looks to be in great form as he seeks to defend his title in the HLSCC College Series. Photo: Todd Van Sickle

The HLSCC Race Series also combined with the Virgin Gorda Health and Wellness Committee in celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day, but seasoned campaigner and most decorated Virgin Gorda HLSCC Race Champion Maxford Pipe showed he already knew how to take care of himself and could well be a role model for future healthy lifestyle drives.

Superbly fit, the lean, mean running machine captured first place in a time of 12 minutes 35.57 seconds in the Men’s Open category. Close behind was Emrol Amsterdan who was followed by Jermain Abrahams. Casey McNutt, the 2010 and 2012 female champion, crossed the line first for the ladies in a time of 15 minutes 07.92 seconds. She was followed by Lucy Smith and Leanne Munn in second and third respectively.

Defending champions Steven’s Stallions took the first race by a small margin over Levon’s Leopards in the Primary School category while O’Neal House grabbed an early lead over Rhymer house in the Secondary division.

Defending champions Harrigan House were nowhere in sight so the challenge has been made and  it will be interesting to see who will be the overall champions for the secondary group.

Race Director Stephanie Russ Penn expressed that, “while the numbers were lower than expected” the races have now begun and an increased participation especially in Virgin Gorda can only be expected. She also extended continued gratitude to the Valley Sound Lions Club who continues to support and aid in the success of the series in Virgin Gorda as well as thanks to Miss Sylvanna Charles- the reigning Miss Virgin Gorda and current HLSCC student for her assistance and participation.

Race #2 in Virgin Gorda is scheduled for October 5, 2013 while the HLSCC/Highland Spring Races kick off at the Paraquita Bay campus this upcoming Saturday September 21, 2013. Registration is at 6:30 A.M. and the race starts at 7:00 A.M. For further information regarding the series, please contact Mrs. Russ Penn at 852-7216.

Final Results: Two Miles, Men: 1. Maxford Pipe, 12 minutes 35.57 seconds. 2. Emrol Amsterdam, 12:39.12. 3. Jermain Abrams, 13:42.75 4. Curwin Andrews, 13:54.67. 5. Wilbert Samuel, 17:25.31. 6. Verne Wheatley, 29:19.28.

Women: 1. Casey McNutt, 15:07.92. 2. Lucy Smith, 15:52.12. 3. Leanne Munn, 16:28.89. 4. Vicki Woodill, 17:28.20. 5. Ebony Fahie, 26:55.90. 6. Christina Yates, 29:20.40. 7. Lynne Hawkins & Elizabeth Paradisi, 30:48.84.

Cross Country: Primary School Teams: Bregado Flax Primary Division Houses: Levons Leopards (L), Parkers Panthers (P), Stevens Stallions 1. Shamoi Dore (S), 16:11.72. 2. Kyreek Gardener (P), 18:37.99. 3. D’Neigh Williams (L), 19:33.38. 4. Michael Robinson (L),

21:44.25. 5. Shemar Thomas (P), 22:50.94. 6. Afiyah Frett (S), 22:56.68. 7. Alyssa Butler (S), 23:00.06.

Scores: 1. Steven’s Stallions, 14 (3 participant), 2. Levon’s Leopards, 15 (3 participants). 3. Parker’s Panthers, 7 (2 participants.

Secondary School Teams: Bregado Flax houses (Harrigan (H), O’Neal (O) and Rhymer (R)): 1. Keanu George (O), 15:47.59. 2. Jonella Lake, 29:53.00.

Scores: 1. O’Neal House, 1 (1 participants). 2. Rhymer House, 2 (1 participant).

Schedule for Remaining Races

Sept. 21- Tortola

Oct. 5- Virgin Gorda

Oct. 12- Tortola

Oct. 19- Virgin Gorda

Oct. 26- Tortola

Nov. 16- Tortola