ONE HUNDRED PLUS PERSONS PARTICIPATE IN RACE AGAINST AIDS

Over one hundred persons gathered at the Scouts and Guides Gazebo on the morning of Saturday 2nd December, 2023, excited to participate in the Race Against AIDS for World AIDS Day.

Supported by family and friends, the runners formed on the street adjacent to the English Rose Restaurant and stood on their marks eager to hear “get set…Go!” The gathering was an enthusiastic display of community involvement, as they lived up to the World Aids Day theme: “Let Communities Lead”.
Though many who participated were young renowned runners, most of the racers were children, performing in two categories, accompanied by some adults who went for the purpose of cheering them on. There were the 2K and 5K races.

The Anguillian was on hand and spoke with Mr. Rollins Richardson, an official of the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association. He was conducting the races, and he gave us a description of the event:

“Today we are having the Race Against Aids, organized by the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association, in conjunction with the Chronic Diseases Unit of the Health Authority of Anguilla,” he said. “Apart from AIDS, there are many other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes that warrant our attention. We know that exercise and physical activity helps to prevent these diseases, so we are pleased to have the Chronic Disease Unit joining with us this year.”
“We have about over one hundred runners today, and we want to grow this race over the future,” he said. “This Race Against AIDS started in the 1990’s with the Optimist Club. It used to be 5K, 10K and half marathon races. We hope to bring those categories back in the near future. However, this morning they are running the 2K and the 5K only.”

“The 2K distance is from here at English Rose down to the Zack Shwarma Restaurant in George Hill and back,” he said. “The 5K is from here down to the Tomac Plaza in The Water Swamp and return.”
The Anguillian also spoke with the Director of the Chronic Disease Unit, Mrs. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, who provided a summary of the Unit’s involvement in the races:

“In our shared pursuit for a healthier society,” she said, “the Race Against AIDS remains a pivotal initiative. It is crucial to keep the message of HIV prevention alive and resonating within our community. The theme ‘Let Communities Lead’ underscores the importance of local associations. We believe in the power of nonprofit organizations, such as the Anguilla Amateur Athletics Association, to leverage their influence in spreading the message. Their role is to promote physical fitness and to be a pillar in fostering overall well-being.”

“The metaphorical race we run today is not just about crossing a finish line,” she noted, “but [is] about achieving a world free from the fear and stigma of HIV. The Chronic Disease Unit embraces our partnership with the association as it helps us to keep the message alive, and together, we continue to ‘Run’ the race, affirming that when communities lead, we are all winners.”

The following are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place results for each age category:

Category 2000 Meters
Under 9 Females
1st Rachel Samboy
2nd Taela Hodge
3rd Paige Jackson

Under 9 Boys
1st Kyron Moona
2nd Mikkel Richardson
3rd Jaylon Hughes

9 – 10 Girls
1st Krisneily Rey
2nd Janerah Rose
3rd Tyracia Carty

9 – 10 Boys
1st Auraun Lawrence
2nd J’Zehyyon Brooks
3rd Aden Moore

50 plus Women
1st Anita Martin-Ruan
2nd Sharleen Gumbs

50 Plus Men
1st Joseph Brooks

Girls 11 -12
1st Keiarah Webster
2nd Zyah Sasso
3rd Dejonique Mussington

Boys 11-12
1st Tzion Carty
2nd Collanni Joseph
3rd Collanjay Joseph

Girls 13 – 14
1st Christen Fleming
2nd Tajaynae Rogers
3rd Reynah Lico

Boys 13 – 14
1st Reikai Rogers
2nd Jayden Adams
3rd Caleb Kendall

Girls 15 – 16
1st Ronylah Webster
2nd Shamikea Lake