IT was a carnival-like atmosphere at the inaugural staging of the ATL Industrial Group’s All That’s Good Charity 5K run/walk as over 1200 persons turned out to participate in the event which was held on the streets of New Kingston, St Andrew, on Sunday.

The event, which was held in aid of the Jamaica Cancer Society, saw persons of all ages competing in the charity competition which began at 6:30 am at the AC Hotel Kingston on Lady Musgrave Road.

Natalie Chin, deputy managing director of the Jamaica Observer, a subsidiary of the ATL Group and one of the organisers of the event, said she was delighted with the turnout for and support of the event because it surpassed expectations.

“I think for the first staging of an open race, for us (the group) it was a good day,” she said. “We are happy about the participation that took place. We had targeted a thousand [people] and we exceeded that by far. Our sponsorship value was more than we expected so [we] are just thankful for everything.

“I think it is for a worthy cause; I think that they are deserving of it because they do so much for so many. And one of the things that we also wanted to promote outside of giving the funds to the Jamaica Cancer Society is just overall wellness and focusing on persons’ well-being.” Chin also shared that there are many persons within the group and in Jamaica who are suffering from the disease but cannot afford to pay for treatment, and that they were very happy to have hosted this event in support of the Jamaica Cancer Society.

“As many would know, our Executive Chairman [Adam Stewart], his wife is currently on this cancer journey so this was more sentimental for us who put it together in terms of coming out and supporting it, and within our group there are many persons who are suffering from this horrible disease so we wanted to put our stamp on it.

“We wanted to ensure that the Jamaica Cancer Society could offer more to many more persons who are in need of treatment, who can’t afford it,” Chin stressed.

Michael Leslie, acting executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society, says they are grateful to the ATL Group for its support.

“We are happy that this group of companies came together to have this run for the Jamaica Cancer Society because as a cancer society we believe in early detection, we believe in screening, and we believe in creating awareness as it relates to cancer,” he said. “This group came together to have this run to support the Jamaica Cancer Society and to support what we do.

“I am also happy for the turnout because this is our first event and I think it will grow a lot bigger in the years to come. This is what we need in Jamaica, for companies to come together and support the Jamaica Cancer Society,” Leslie said.

Kemar Leslie won the men’s run in 17:07.00 minutes, ahead of Odeane Davidson in 17:39.00, while third went to Jomo-Rys Gilman with 17:47.00.

Sheree Bryan won the female section in 26:10.00, ahead of Anniel Lee 27:14.00, with third place going to Franciska Hynes 27:16.00.

Vivian Lawes won the men’s walk event in a time of 32:21.00 minutes, ahead of Dane Lewis (33:32,.00), and Shawn Lyons 34:05.00. The female category was won by Paula Sinclair in 34:07.00, ahead of Karlene Blagrove 36:56.00, and Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham 39:12.00.