The Central Bank’s first 5K came off big time on Saturday 24, 2009 staff 5K route with over 300 participants showing up for this inaugural event. As I said in a previous post it was a welcome spectacle of sorts, meaning at last CBTT could add a 5K to the number of things that staff do and appreciate. Its like – “We have our own 5K now!”

Kudos must go to the organizers – The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Sports Club for having a well organized event; it offered an opportunity for the staff and their family to come out and do something that is healthy, outdoor, challenging and fun.
This event didn’t fail to live up to the expected hype and billing.

Drama on the streets of Port of Spain
The Governor of the Central Bank – Mr. Ewart Williams got the race underway sending off the starter’s horn to start the race, and the drama began – the early leaders blasted to the front – Kyle Johnson (15 years) pulling away to the front followed by Wayne Hernandez, Keston Wright, Keston Charles, Adrian Guy, Shawn Edwards, Michael Lucess and Wayne Roberts. After 5 minutes the spaces between the lead runners in the front group began to widen with Kyle Johnson pulling away from the group, while the other runners played catch up.

At the midway point the pace seemed too much for Keston Charles and he faded off the radar of top contenders. Wayne Hernandez and Adrian Guys were over taken by Keston Wright and Shawn Edwards respectively.  Turning down St. Vincent Street the conclusion was clear Kyle Johnson would win this race quite easily unless something very drastic or unfortunate happens. He crossed the finish line in 20.06, the second place was held secure by Keston Wright, he finished in 20.34. Wayne Hernandez, third place in 20.52. Shawn Edwards sewed up fourth place quite nicely 20.57. Adrian Guy exhausted from the fast start just managed to hold on to fifth in 21.25. In 6^th and 7^th place were Michael Lucess and Wayne Roberts who did 21.22 and 21.29 respectively.

Cuquie Melville headlined the women’s field in a time of 22.46, followed by our own Esla Anthony in 2^nd place who did a PB in 22.59 and Wendy D’Arbasie in 3^rd place with a 25.01.

The course
The course had mixed reaction from the participants some feeling quite satisfied with the course while some was very dissatisfied with the meandering through the city.
Some energy and concentration had to be invested in piloting and maneuvering the course, I guess it took away a bit from the mental acuity needed for a high level performance and enjoyment of the race. However, I could appreciate the dilemma for race organisers to stage a 5K in Port of Spain. It could probably be said that… this is part of the dilemma in doing a city race.

Some felt an enlarged drawing or picture of the course should have been placed for all participants to see, thus ensuring that family entrants would have been able to familiarize themselves with the course.

At the finish line everyone received a goody bag and breakfast was served to participants.

Kudos must go to Carlos Wilson the instructor for showing the wisdom in keeping the group of runners together and training after their initial participation in the Fusion event. The top places of both male and female in the CBTT 5K were captured by members of this group.

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