Low key start to cross country season
A new cross-country season endured a low key start at the Arboretum on Saturday, the senior event attracting less than 20 runners ? none of them considered among the Island?s elite.
With the likes of brothers Jay and Michael Donawa, Lamont and Larry Marshall and Kavin Smith all missing from the field, the door was open for masters runner Geoffrey Blee to lead home the nine-runner men?s field.
Blee completed the five-mile course in an impressive 28 minutes and 58 seconds, more than four minutes ahead of second-placed Otis Robinson (33.09) with another veteran, Mike Osborn, placing third (33.13).
Sports Minister Dale Butler brought up the rear, placing ninth in 40.39.
Dawn Richardson, who earlier this year won the May 24 Marathon Derby at her first attempt, led home the senior women, clocking 18:12 over a three-mile course.
Joanna Shillington placed second in 19:11, followed by Rosa Peichoto in 20:11.
The second event in the seven-race cross-country series is scheduled for September 30 at Chaplin Bay.