With his vast experience in road races, it came as no surprise when veteran Carlise Russell easily defeated his rivals to win the Seek Back-to-School gimmick race at Caymanas Park last Saturday.

Eight athletes ran in the five-furlong (1,000m) event on the round course, with Russell emphatically winning by what they call in racing ‘a city block’.

Running from the number four draw, Russell broke well and settled behind the speedy Omar Murray for most of the way in the race.

When Russell overtook Murray for the lead turning for home, it was all over as the tall athlete opened up an unstoppable lead over his opponents right up to the wire.

Andrew Gayle came from way behind to outrun the veteran Andrew Gutzmore for second money, as Oral Anderson finished in fourth position.

“This is my first time running here at Caymanas Park on the horse racing track but it was good, and I feel really happy to come out with a win here today,” said Russell. “At times I felt like my feet were going down into holes, but I just kept on going and going.

“I have been training a lot, because I run 5kgs, 10kgs, half-marathons, full marathons, triathlons and so forth. I have the experience and thing, and so it was just to adapt to these conditions at the racetrack, and I knew once I did that I was going to be OK.

“It was a good run and thing, and I enjoyed myself very much. I have a five-kilometre road race to run tomorrow, so I used this race as a preparation gallop – using a horse racing term for that,” Russell told the Supreme Racing Guide.

Gayle, who was also making his debut at the Park, said with this pipe opener he is already looking forward to next year’s event.

“This is my first time running here and I think that it was a good showing. Five furlongs (1,000m) is a bit too short for me, as I rather eight furlongs (1,600m) and over, but all and all, I think I did creditably. I did well.

“I think I finished that race in like 3:30.0 minutes, and I aimed to finish in 3:40.0, so I am really happy with this performance so far. The plan was to go out there, don’t let the leaders go too far from me, and then turning for home with over 300 metres, to let everything go – and that was what I did.

“Coming for home, I was in fifth position and I passed the other athletes. It was a good run. Looking forward to next year again when I expect to do better,” Gayle said.

The top four finishers won prizes for their selected charities.