WHEN Shawn Pitter crossed the finish line to win the Burger King 10K recently in Negril, he looked like a soldier completing a successful mission — tired but relieved.

The race was run alongside the prestigious Reggae Marathon and the half-marathon. Tanice Barnett came in approximately seven minutes after-wards to capture the female category.

The two are now the king and queen of the local road race circuit, a vital part of the preparation for most of Jamaica’s budding middle- and long-distance stars.

In the land of big sprinters, the Burger King Road Race series ensures that those who choose to go long will have something to shoot for.

The series has been going for more than a decade. It started as part of the local “Grand Prix’ series with other races, consolidated into the Burger King Grand Prix when others faltered, and has stood the test of time.

Names like Arieta Martin, Natoya Goule, Wainart Talbert and Kemoy Campbell have profited from their participation in the event while adding prestige to it with their excellent performance.

Pitter has used the event to improve his form and now stands head and shoulders over everyone else, posting an excellent 29 minutes and 56 seconds in Negril. He now looks forward to achieving his dream of representing Jamaica at the Olympics after his participation at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.

Like all the sprinters, he dreams of being the best in the world. And who can blame him? When he started in 2005 and 2006 he was soundly beaten by many of the ladies, including high school girls.

“My coach said I should not worry about it. As long as I put in the work I would be OK,” Pitter said with a smile.

Pitter is an example to many others who participate in the different events each season. They start like snails and eventually run like the wind. Their form will eventually be exhibited on the track as soon as the pre-season begins in December and serve as foundation for the long track and field season. Every event in track and field has a foundation in running, and the Burger King series provides that avenue.

But the track stars are not the only ones who take to the streets. Hundreds of regular ‘Joes’ use the event to improve their lifestyle. They run for health and fitness and the resultant improvement in form and function. There is no better sight than seeing 60 and 70-year-olds completing a 10K event. The lowering of blood pressure, body fat and weight are obvious benefits to participation. Minister of Sports Natalie Neita Headley walked the Negril course and was elated to finish.

“I never knew I was that fit … I surprised myself,” said Neita-Headley after completing the event. “This is a fantastic tourism product… it is great for Jamaica.”

The 2012 edition of the Burger King Road races series started with the Montego Bay 7K, which was won by Kirk Brown and Hydel schoolgirl Monifa Green.

Current king and queen Shawn Pitter and Tanice Barnett were dominant in the second event, the Burger King Portmore 10K. Pitter led from horn to tape in 30 minutes, 51 seconds. Kirk Brown placed second in 31:32, while Damion Bent finished third in 31:19.

Barnett ran 39:19 to finish ahead of defending champion Marlena Eubanks of Edwin Allen (40:13), while Lisa Buchanan of Holmwood finished third in 41:34.

A new feature of the Portmore race was the 4x1500m relay which was run on the ring road jutting off the highway.

The races saw excellent participation and great running which elicited cheers from spectators even on a quiet Sunday morning. Holmwood Technical proved best prepared and ran away with both the male and female titles. The popularity of the inaugural events will ensure more participation and excitement next year.

The benefits will be seen at the Gibson and Penn Relay in the short term and at the international level in the future.

Given the high level of participation and the benefits to be gained in this series of races, one hopes that this event will continue for the foreseeable future. In the land of the big sprinters, these races provide variety.