THE results of a road race are rarely secondary but that was the feeling on Sunday after the 26th staging of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run in New Kingston — this year dubbed Sagicor Sigma Honour Run — garnered over $100 million dollars for its three beneficiaries.

It was a day of records as 27,439 participants signed up for the annual event and approximately $109,054,616 was raised, exceeding the $100-million target set by Sagicor Foundation. The proceeds will go towards Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, National Chest Hospital, and Danny Williams School for the Deaf.

Two-time World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton, who was one of the patrons for the Sagicor Sigma Honour Run, said she is committed to helping to change the course of Jamaican lives.

“Growing up, I’ve always got some sort of help from somebody so to be able to stand on a stage using my image — knowing how far I’ve come — to help for a cause, it’s just an amazing feeling and I’m pretty grateful, so I’ll do this any time,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“My journey has been long, and these beneficiaries need so many important equipment that I may use at some point in the future, who knows? It’s an awesome feeling to be part of this great cause, to see so many people come together to support these beneficiaries. It feels great to give back to Jamaica,” Clayton added.

Alfred Francis, the race’s director and managing director of Running Events Jamaica, believes the Sigma run deserves to go down in the history books for its impact.

“It was a most memorable day for road running, not for Jamaica but in the region. We’re the biggest road race — we registered over 27,000 persons, we achieved our goal of over $100 million — so when you put all the ingredients together, you couldn’t ask for a better day. People want to be part of this,” he said

“I’ve been there every single year and seeing the growth; it’s become an institution in our lives. We can talk about Jamaica producing Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey but in time, history will tell you that Sigma is one of Jamaica’s great creations, and we must be thankful,” Francis added.

Jamaica’s most successful Paralympian Alphanso Cunningham competed in a road race for the first time in three years, and the charitable factor was a major contributor to his return.

“This is important for everybody; it’s where everybody can come together for a cause and take care of mostly persons that really need it. For me, the time isn’t the best but I’ll work with it. I tried to do it in less but the route was wonderful and I’m just thankful and grateful to come out just to support the initiative,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham and Sashagaye Thompson were the men’s and women’s winners of the wheelchair event.

The overall winner of the main event, the 5.5km run, was Garfield Gordon who defended his title in 17.47, ahead of Kemar Leslie (18:09) and Noel-Jonathan Ellis (18:38).

Gordon, who has been training since August, was delighted with the victory despite the challenges he faced prior to the race.

“My feet were a bit heavy because I was working on my feet all day Friday and Saturday. I think last year’s time was better but I’m still thankful for the win,” he said.

French-born triathlete Elizabeth Mondon took the women’s event in 23:50, almost two minutes faster than closest competitors Jozanne Harris (25:11) and Michelle McNally (25:35).

Mondon, who claimed the women’s title back in 2019 and 2020, was happy to return to winning ways in 2024 while also supporting a worthy cause.

“The run is always difficult because it’s a 5.5km so the added 500m always makes it difficult. I wasn’t as prepared as I hoped to be so it was a very good surprise for him. It’s very much uplifting to win an event like this, it makes me feel special. This is what makes the best of it, to be able to donate for a cause and participate and see everybody do the same; it’s the best way. I would like to see fund-raisers for road races like this every month,” she said.