Kahzi Sealey and Katherine Bean-Rosario won the boys and girls titles in the Heritage Day Junior Classic from Front Street to Bernard Park yesterday.

Sealey, 15, led the field home in his final race in the event, winning the 13-15 boys age group in a time of 10min 38sec. He finished over a minute ahead of second place Jayson Simons in 11:58, with Jauza James third in 12:10.

Tajai Goater and Khari Sharrieff completed the top five, with Sharrieff winning the 11-12 age group with his time of 12:18, just three seconds behind Goater.

“I did a very good job; I ran a smart race and knew I could come up with a win,” said Sealey, the great nephew of runner Steven Burgess. “I just tried to take it out hard and by the time I got to the birdcage I didn’t see anybody behind me; I started to go for it.

“Time wasn’t that important to me; I was just trying to get the victory. The crowd did help, I saw a lot of my friends and family there and hearing their support really boosted me on. This is my last year, now I’m looking forward to running the half marathon next year.”

Bean-Rosario, who flew out yesterday to compete in 800 and 1,500 metres races in Atlanta today, was seventh overall, first girl and also winner of the 11-12 age group. She struggled with cramp and needed attention from medical staff at the finish.

“I had it coming through Cedar Avenue, but I feel so happy because I have always wanted to win this race,” said the 12-year-old, who finished seventh overall in 13:04. “I have won my age group before but have never won overall. The crowd pushed me to work harder because people were watching me. The younger ones are looking up to me so that made me feel good.”

Legend Stevenson was ninth overall, second girl and winner of the 8-10 age group, crossing the line in 13:13.

“I just want to say thank you to my coaches and my track club, DNA Panthers, and every one who has been with me along the way,” said the ten-year-old. “It was pretty challenging, but I hung in.”