Kelly Ann Beckford and Garfield Gordon came out as the overall winners in the women’s and men’s open run category of the 2018 ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run, respectively yesterday.

The 18th annual run held in New Kingston saw a record-breaking turnout of over 5,000 participants.

The open run and walk categories are based on the best gun time and include all registered runners and walkers. Gordon completed the race in 15.42 minutes, while Beckford clocked a time of 20.43 minutes.

Gordon said his win was a result of him sticking to his game plan for the race.

“From the start I came out hard, and before I reached 1K I was leading by about 100m so I knew I was the winner right there because no one could catch me,” added the G C Foster College student.

The female winner said her victory did not come as easy as Gordon’s but she was happy to have participated, and come in on top in the run.

“It was very challenging but I knew that I had to win. I am very elated to know that I can do something I love, and help to spread breast cancer awareness and participate in this fund-raiser,” Beckford noted.

The total sum raised from the run will be announced by the ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run Planning Committee within the week, and the sum officially handed over to the beneficiary, Jamaica Reach To Recovery.

The Jamaica Reach to Recovery is the breast cancer support arm of the Jamaica Cancer Society. They provide financial, emotional and psychological support to breast cancer patients and survivors.

President of ICWI Paul Lalor expressed gratitude to Jamaicans for their continued support of the run over the last 18 years.

“Five thousand one hundred people is an amazing turnout, growing from 3,400 last year and 1,800 the year before. So we’re overjoyed by the turnout today and the support that Jamaica is showing for the fight against breast cancer,” added Lalor.

Jamaica Reach To Recovery Chairperson Carolind Graham praised the participants, the run for their contribution towards the cause.

“Last year we raised $3.2 million, we hope to raise about $6 million this year. This is a very impressive step towards helping the myriad women diagnosed with breast cancer who are unable to afford the life-saving treatment they need, as 100 per cent of those funds will go to help save a life. It is a wonderful thing; we have grown from less than a thousand participants about four years ago to 5,000 participants,” said a delighted Graham.

The ICWI/Jamaica Reach To Recovery Pink Run is sponsored by the RJR/Gleaner Group, the Jamaica Observer, LASCO iCool and iDrade, National Commercial Bank, Nestle Jamaica, Tank-Weld, Ramsons – Blue Diamond/Foska Oats, Toyota Jamaica, Sportsmax TV, Salada Foods Jamaica, KSAMC, Tile City/Kohler, CIBC First-Caribbean International Bank LITHOGRAPHIC Printers, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, Manpower & Maintenance, KFC (Restaurants of Jamaica), National Outdoor Advertising, Hardware & Lumber, Minott Services, Hawkeye Security, Pure National Ice, Get Social, Sleek Jamaica, Rizzen Brands, and Yummy.