Photo: Three times winner of the FLOW/PUMA Fortis 5K, Shane Buchanan, receives his prize for winning the 2016 edition from Communications and Sponsorship Manager at Flow, Kayon Wallace. Robin Rowe who finished third is also in the picture.
Kingston College middle distance runner Shane Buchanan made it three straight wins at the FLOW/PUMA Fortis 5K when he won the event in 16:30 minutes on Sunday. The fourth staging of the event saw the largest crowd ever, with just over 1300 participants turning out for the 6:30am start.
Having finished down the pack at the inaugural staging, Buchanan faced the starter’s gun with the intention of getting a third straight win and did so convincingly, finishing well ahead of second place finisher Ryon Chambers and Robin Rowe who finished third.
Buchanan who placed second in the 5000m at the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Champs in March and third in the 2000m steeple chase said he was inspired by his aunt to go after a third straight title.
“I wasn’t training for the event and I thought that I might get beaten this year, but my aunt encouraged me to make it three straight so I told myself that I needed to get the job done and I did.”
The 18 year old, fifth form student, who has one year left at KC says that his favourite athlete is World and Olympic middle distance champion Mo Farah and with this being and Olympic year may just draw more inspiration from the legendary Briton to keep the winning trend going next year.
The female winner of the run was Juliett Dinnal in 20:22 minutes. Arieta Martin was second and Jozanne Harris was third.
The winner of the male walk was Andre Smith in 28:56 minutes while Latoya Walker won the female equivalent in 34:32 minutes.
Principal of Kingston College, Dave Myrie who himself participated in the Walk, described the event as one that was well executed and stated that the patrons enjoyed the event.
“I want to thank all our sponsors for partnering with us. I also want to thank everyone who came out to run/walk and support this Flow/Puma Fortis 5K. We value your support and look forward to seeing you next year,” he stated.
The fund raising event helps to provide scholarships for students at Kingston College, as well as aide in infrastructural development within the school. Near neighbours Alpha Boys Institute, (formerly Alpha Boys Home) is also a beneficiary from the funds raised by the 5K.
Myrie in conclusion said, “Supporting this 5K is ultimately a support for Jamaican children because after all is said and done, we are all Jamaicans working for the development of our beloved island.
Running Events Limited who has been with the event from year one, was again responsible for race execution.
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