GARFIELD Gordon of Mavis Bank Track Club and Karlene Blagrove, who was unattached, secured the 7K run at the second event of the Best Dressed Chicken-sponsored ‘Everyone’s a Winner’ 7K and 5K race series held at the Hope Botanical Gardens on Sunday.

Gordon clocked a fast 23.06 minutes to beat out teammate Kemar Leslie, who stopped the clock at 23.18 minutes. Ryon Chambers of We Got the Runs Running Club, finished third in 23.48 minutes.

Gordon, who missed the first race of the series due to competing at the Carifta trials, said the event was difficult as his legs were tired from competing in a 5K just a day before the race.

“It was a challenge for me, however, I am pleased to have come out and secured the 7K title. My legs started to give way coming down the home stretch, but I pushed on and came out victorious,” said Gordon.

Veteran road racer Blagrove took the female 7K title after crossing the line in 29.48 minutes. Ina Daley of Pacers Running Club was second after clocking 32.40 minutes to edge teammate Tanya Allgrove, 32.45 minutes, who had to settle for third overall in the female section.

The 5K men’s title went to Romaine Morrison of Mavis Bank Track Club in 18.03 minutes, while teammate Dexter Williams placed second with a time of 19.17 minutes. Gerald Palmer of Dunn’s Electrical was third in 19.19 minutes. Crystal Brown, also of Mavis Bank Track Club, rounded out a good morning for the team after winning the female equivalent in 23.12 minutes. Sandra Aitken, who was unattached, placed second following her time of 25.39 minutes. Nicole Dixon of Best Dressed Chicken came in third after clocking 25.55 minutes.

In the special sectional prize, Team Body by Kurt, won the Best Dressed Chicken Trophy for the team representing the best use of the Best Dressed Chicken colours.

Race director Alfred Francis said despite some challenges, the event continues to be a success. “The first race we had a 5K and a 6K and this morning we stepped it up a bit with a 5K and a 7K, which the participants thoroughly enjoyed. We are aiming to challenge the participants as the event goes along as we will be increasing to an 8K when the series culminates on June 21,” said Francis.

Joan Forrest, divisional sales and marketing manager at Best Dressed Chicken, was overjoyed at the turnout and participation.

“We are very excited at today’s event, we continue to create a wholesome family event as we at Best Dressed aim to promote healthy lifestyles in Jamaica,” said Forrest.

According to Forrest, part proceeds from the event will go towards the race series’ charity partners, the Diabetes Society of Jamaica, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica and the Neurological Unit of the UHWI. For the final two races in the series, persons are able to donate funds to support Jamaica’s national senior netball team, the Sunshine Girls, who will be taking part at the Netball World Cup August 7-16 in Sydney, Australia, via a link on the Running Events website; www.runningeventsja.com.