Friday, April 5th, was a red-lettet day for the island’s primary schools. It was time for the annual Tropical Shipping road race meet that would contribute towards the overall scores on the annual Sports Day, Wednesday, April 10th.
The competitive race followed what might be considered a rather convenient route. The starting point was near the gate of the Ronald Webster’s Park. The route headed south and turned left at The Valley roundabout, then headed east to the traffic light at Lake’s Gas Station. At that point, the route turned left and led north, downhill, along the Fat Cat Gourmet, and continued uphill along the Watkin Hodge Road, and towards the stoplight near the Orealia Kelly Primary School. Then turning left once again, the athletes trekked west and then south pass the Chuch of God (Holiness) before heading downhill along the UWI Campus, and back to the finish line.
At the finish line or starting point, the air was stirred and filled with athletic cheers and excitement. The commentator’s voice, over the PA system, pervaded the atmosphere as he gave the spectators minute by minute commentary from updated video received, in real time, via Lloyd Gumbs’ Facebook feed.
Many parents and adult friends were on hand to support their favourite runners, and several of them viewed the race on their cell phones. As the runners approached the line, one by one, cheers of exhuberence erupted from the crowd.
By the end of the event, Valley Primary emerged as champion, with Adrian T. Hazell Primary claiming second place, followed by Orealia Kelly Primary.
by Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
