Negril, Westmoreland - Wainard Talbert returned to winning ways at the sixth staging of the Reggae Marathon on Norman Manley Boulevard at the Long Bay Beach Park, while Tamica Thomas successfully defended her title over 13.1 miles in the half-marathon here yesterday.

Meanwhile, Andrew Gutzmore and Euleen Josiah-Tanner took the 26.2-mile marathon yesterday.
Talbert won in 1 hour 10:31 ahead of South African Tobias Philander, 1:10:50; Gregory McKenzie, 1:11:50 and McKenzie's uncle and coach, veteran Linton McKenzie, 1:12:26.

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Thomas won in 1 hour 28:20 ahead of Rosemarie Alridge, 1:30:06 and Keniesha Jones 1:32:27.
Gutzmore the marathon event in 2 hour 45:00 ahead of Colin Graham, 3:05:07, while Ralf Klen, 3:06:06, Guyanese-born American Euleen Josiah-Tanner, 3:14:03, Terri Rejimbal (USA), 3:27:59 and Carla Arnold (USA), 3:30:27.

In the half marathon event Talbert, who trailed for about 70 per cent of the race, got ahead of the early leader and pacesetter Philander to take the top prize.
Philander was upset with the final placings, declaring afterwards that "officially the time says he is first but I don't agree. I passed the nine-mile and then he passed me about a mile. Officially he is first, but according to me that is impossible as I'm first and I'm not happy", he said.
But despite his chagrin, Philander said that he likes the course.

"The course was nice and was very good. I like it and for persons who want to run a fast time."
Talbert was pleased with his performance in a well-timed race: "The foreigner went out well and the schoolboy, but me, along with Gregory and Linton McKenzie, took it one step at a time and I caught him after we burned out the school guy and went on to win the race and him complaining that I did not win."
According to Gregory, "I am happy for Talbert as he broke away from me and went on to win, beating the African".
REGGAE from Page 1

Thomas, who has won the half marathon on three occasions, was pleased with her latest triumph.
"I'm pleased with my performance; I really enjoyed the route and did my best. I enjoy doing the half-marathon," she said.

Marathon winner Gutzmore was happy with his effort.
"Going to the CAC and Commonwealth Marathon has given me some experience that I have used here. I give thanks for all who supported me and the new administration who have tried to push road-running to a new level," he said.

Gutzmore is looking forward to competing at the Beijing Olympics Games and doing more international marathons with more competition, which includes participating in the upcoming Trinidad Marathon.
Tanner, who was affected by the weather, said, "The time got hot... I had to slow down as it was... also humid as I started getting hot and sweating so I kept my form and came home with it.

"The pace was not that challenging, but this sun I had to take it slow and come home. I am grateful for the win."
There were some 733 participants at the sixth staging of the annual event.

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