Kingston College successfully staged the third instalment of the PUMA FORTIS 5K on Sunday May 03rd, 2015. The PUMA FORTIS 5K Run was born out of an idea by project manager Ricardo Case an avid 5K enthusiast, a KC Old Boy and Past Head Boy (1988) who sought to provide sustainable financial support to the school and to reconnect all FORTIS across the globe.
The purpose of this annual event is to raise well needed funds for various educational and developmental programmes at Kingston College and to make a special contribution to our selected charity, the Alpha Boys Home. An ambitious target of $5,000,000.00 was set, with a challenge to register 5,000 old boys each paying $1,000.00.
The turnout was well below the target set resulting in the financial goal being missed. Nonetheless, the quality of the race, the race route and the overall package and experience was hailed as one of the best by the sponsors and participants. Together with our sponsors and the 940 registered entrants, the event was able to raise $850,000.00 for the school and charity.
Race direction was once again provided by Running Events Limited through their race director and KC Old Boy, Alfred “Frano” Francis who carefully managed the race ensuring the safety and quality of the event for the many patrons.
This year the event had My-Laps chip timing, Free WI-FI courtesy of FLOW, Post Race Massages by Bella Oasis Day Spa, complimentary Sunday Gleaner for the first 90 race finishers, breakfast from Lasco and Best Dressed Chicken, fruits from Jamaica Producers and Freshhh. Music was provided by DJ Marlon Young and the emcee was Antonio “Burgie” Bell. The KCOBA had a catered VIP lounge for the 90th Anniversary to allow old boys to lyme on race day.
Quite fittingly, the inaugural run top male award was captured by returning champion, Shane Buchanan from Kingston College Track and Field. The race also saw Karlene Blagrove coming back to win her third straight PUMA FORTIS 5K in the female run and Paula Sinclair in the female walk.
Top male finishers
- SHANE BUCHANAN 16:28
- RYON CHAMBERS 17:05
- JAVIER BESWICK-SCOTT 18:11
And, the female side,
- KARLENE BLAGROVE 21:46
- ANN MARIE SHAW 22:47
- SANDRA AITKEN 24:06
The top walking awards went to:
- KENARDO PHILLIPS 31:23
- ERIC THOMPSON 32:16
- NDREW NEWELL 33:45
And, on the female side,
- PAULA SINCLAIR 33:44
- OLIVIA MCKOY 34:53
- LATANYA WHYTE-BISPO 36:18
Our neighbours St. George’s College ran away with the largest participating high school team award while the Go Run Jamaica Running Club captured the best team award with their finishers having an average time of 22 minutes.
A Special 90th Anniversary “Inspiration” award was presented to veteran road racer and Fortis, Roy “Uncle Roy” Thomas, who at 88 years old was still active on the road racing circuit. Citation was given by TVJ’s Janella Precius and award presented by Fortis Neville Oxford.