Sept. 6, 2005 – The 23rd running of the V.I. Pace Runners Labor Day 5K Road Race was in Frederiksted this year for the first time. The race, along the water front, was dedicated to Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Juan Robles was the top finisher with a time of 17 minutes and 15 seconds. He ran the first mile in 5 minutes and 15 seconds with new comer Shane Duncan and Hansel Estephan in pursuit just a few seconds back. They would take the first thee spots overall with Duncan second in 17:56 and Estephan third in 19:21.
Richard Jean-Pierre was fourth in 20:04 and veteran Greg Johnson, who is recovering from prostate surgery, was fifth in 20:04; Jeremy Laurent sixth in 20:23; Alex Adams seventh in 22:22; Kevin Morgan eighth in 23:43; Larry Williams ninth in 23:48; Fred Flint tenth in 24:29 and Jack Branch eleventh in 26:49.
Louise Stapleton was the first female in 24:05 and Devorath Elock second in 39:55.
Participants heard Greg Johnson a former V.I. National Team member and one of the V.I. top long distance runners ever, having competed in the World Cross-Championships twice, the Central America and Caribbean Cross-Country championships and the New York Marathon, share his experience with combating the disease from the time it was detected, through surgery and recovery. He stressed how important it is for males, especially black males over 40 to get tested regularly, the competence of his local doctor, Dr. John Franklin and support of friends, some of them runners and others who helped his confidence level throughout the ordeal.
Information from the National Prostate Cancer Coalition……Awareness, Outreach, Advocacy, was distributed.
Johnson expressed his willingness to speak to groups and/or individuals about prostate cancer.
The next event on the schedule is the V.I.Pace Runners/4-H Cross-Country Series in early October. Also, the annual CoastWeeks Beach Relay is on Oct. 8 at 7 a.m. at Ha' Penny Beach.
To contact Greg Johnson, get information about the V.I. Pace Runners events call: 340-643-2557, logon to: virginislandspace.org or email[email protected].