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MBJ Team Sangster Charity attracts big support for education
September 08, 2025
Richly rewarded with its biggest field, organisers of the MBJ Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk held a praise and worship on a cool Sunday morning amid its warming-down exercise. After all they had much to be thankful for with Sharon Hislop, MBJ Airports' commercial and marketing manager, saying the event proved to be a milestone for the fifth anniversary.
"We went all out. One of the major things we have done this year is to make this an islandwide initiative to raise funds for education," said Hislop, who shared that there were 112 sponsors on board, a notable improvement from the previous year's 85.
"This year I hope we can donate $30 million," added Hislop, who saw the biggest number of participants.
The charity took flight at daybreak with persons from all walks of' life coming out in their numbers at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. In cool conditions, nearly 4,000 participants were out, from as early as 5 a.m., for the fifth staging of the 10K/5K Run/Walk event.
There was a water salute for the participants as a symbol of appreciation.
Jamaica College's Evans Tetteh and Pacers' Cecile Heinrich copped the male and female 10K run titles, respectively.
For the first-time winners, it was about enjoying the moment as they took part in a great cause.
Tetteh, the 17-year-old African student, crossed the line at 34 minutes and 16 seconds ahead of last year's winner, Kemar Leslie (34.23) of Rainforest Seafood, and Jomo-Rhys Gilman (35.36) of PureLuv, who were second and third, respectively.
Heinrich clocked in 44.24, while her teammate Dandie Williams (45.54) and Arieta Martin of Rainforest Seafood (58.04) took second and third, respectively.
Tetteh expressed gratitude for winning, despite not being able to run at the expected pace.
"I give thanks to the Lord Almighty for the first position. I couldn't get the time I was expecting because of the long travel and lack of food," said Tetteh.
"I am grateful for what I have achieved. The running conditions and temperature were good. I would do this run again for sure," he added.
Heinrich, a seasoned runner who is from France, but resides in Jamaica, told STAR Sports she enjoyed the experience on the scenic route.
"The route was beautiful and the water stops were well organised. The way was clear all the way through. Despite the crowded return with the 5K walkers, it was great," said Heinrich, who has participated in other races on the island.
"I plan to participate again next year. For now, I am training for the Reggae Marathon in December and a full marathon overseas," she added.
Back-back winner of the 5K male category, Steppas Running Club's Garfield Gordon expressed surprise at his unexpected fast time.
"I didn't expect to be this fit, but I am so thankful. I thought I would run slower. The course was easy and flat and the weather was much cooler than it was last year," said Gordon, who has participated in the race three times.
In the 5K female category, 17-year-old Aneita Gutzmore of Rainforest Seafood who sprinted to victory, described the challenge of racing in the early morning.
"The air was kind of thin, which was a little challenging. I don't know if it is because it's been a long time since I last raced in the early morning," said Gutzmore, who attends Holmwood High School.
"I feel good that my training paid off, but I feel I can do a little bit better," she added.
In the 5K walk, which had 1,383 competitors - the largest number of participants - Dual Allen was the top male, clocking 26:38. Courtney Taylor (30.08) and Robert Gray (30.29) were second and third, respectively. Seasoned walker Paula Sinclair took the female section in 32:32, followed by Sherena Gray (33.22) and Hodeth Betty (33.23).
