Montserrat stages first-ever Volcano Half-Marathon
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| Published on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 |
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BRADES, Montserrat -- Antiguan-runner Neville Nicholls can now boast of being the winner of the first ever Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon, which was held on the morning of December 5, 2009. Fourteen brave runners from Antigua, Canada, Guadeloupe, Montserrat and the UK, braved the elements to take part in what is perhaps one of the most strenuous and unique running events in the world.
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| Montserrat Volcano Observatory Director Paul Cole Runs the Race (Photo by Adam Stinton) |
The race started at the Blakes Football Field and followed a very undulating course, which provided runners with views of the active Soufriere Hills Volcano in the south of the island, as well as the spectacular coastal vistas and verdant scenery. The 13.1 mile race finished at the picturesque Salem Park, where the majestic Soufriere Hills Volcano provided the ideal backdrop for photo opportunities.
The winner of the race was Antiguan runner Neville Nicholls, who crossed the finish line in a time of 1:36:20 to take the first prize of EC$1,000, with his countryman Germain Brann coming in a close second in a time of 1:37:02 to claim EC$750.
Famed Montserratian runner James “Fittest Man” Greenaway finished third in a time of 1:49:17 and collected EC$500. The first youth finisher was Kriston Aymer of Montserrat, who also placed fourth overall in a time of 1:52:17, and the first female runner to complete the course was Lydia Maurin of Guadeloupe. Both of these runners were awarded prizes of EC$500 each.
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Neville Nichols from Antigua, Winner of the 1st Volcano Half Marathon (Photo by
Adam Stinton) |
A 5-mile Fun Run and Walk from Cudjoe Head to Salem Park was also held on the morning, which saw seventeen (17) persons taking part. The Fun Run was won by 13-year old Montserratian Randy Campbell in a time of 37 minutes and the Fun Walk was won by Andrew Myers in 52 minutes.
“This 1st Montserrat Volcano Half-Marathon is unique for many reasons - where else can runners experience such a rugged course that takes them close to an active volcano, or they can get as part of their race-kit soap made from volcanic material and a bottle of neatly packaged volcanic ash,” commented Marketing Manager of the Montserrat Tourist Board and President of the Montserrat Running Club Ishwar Persad. “The event was a resounding success and we wish to thank all the participants, particularly those from overseas. We also express our gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers for their assistance in making the race a huge success. Planning for next year’s event has already started and we are inviting persons from all over the globe to come over to the Other Emerald Isle for a truly remarkable running experience.” | | | | Reads : 2260 | | | |
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