MONTEGO BAY, St James — With a front-row seat to students’ everyday struggles, guidance counsellors in western Jamaica decided they had to do more. They also recognised that they too could benefit from having their cups refilled so they can continue to pour into those who look to them for support.

So on Sunday, the Jamaica Association of Guidance Counsellors in Education (JAGCE) Region 4 staged its inaugural 5K Run/Walk.

JAGCE Region 4 President Kerry-Ann Barrett explained that the idea was born from a shared desire among guidance counsellors to give back in a meaningful way.

“We see first-hand the struggles many students face — financial hardship, emotional distress, and limited access to opportunities,” Barrett told the Jamaica Observer.

“At the same time, we recognise the importance of self-care and professional growth for counsellors themselves. The 5K Run/Walk allows us to support students in need while promoting a healthy lifestyle and unity among educators, parents, and community members.”

Barrett explained that the event’s central message, ‘Caring Through Action’, was to remind participants, and the wider public, that education extends far beyond academics. It emphasises nurturing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — while encouraging everyone to take literal and figurative steps toward wellness and student empowerment.

JAGCE Region 4’s mission is to enhance mental health and student well-being. The run/walk was not only raises funds for students and counsellors but also helps foster physical activity, community connection, and stress relief.

Funds raised from the event will go to supporting needy students and guidance counsellors seeking professional development — two areas critical to building resilience in the nation’s schools — in addition to sustaining outreach programmes focused on mental health, career readiness, and overall well-being.

The event got underway at 6:15 am, with more than 60 participants leaving from Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. The route took them to Reading and back to the school. Guided and monitored by volunteer cyclist Stephen Mahoney, the event saw spirited participation across all categories, with some students using it as preparation for the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

In the Student Run category the top three male finishers were Romeo Wesley, Jawana Penton, and Alvin Thorpe. The female winners were Tracy-Ann Vernon in first place, followed by Shania Fraser and Tashana Hines.

The Adult Walkers category showcased impressive endurance, with Garth Abott taking first place among the men followed by Andre Starrad and Chad Edwards. In the female division, Chantal Brown claimed the top spot, ahead of Akelia Salmon.

Meanwhile in the Walk category, Rojourn Miller and Jameel Bryan were the top male finishers while Cindy Asobo, Keneisha Gillings, Renee Crooks, and Aubrey Ann Walters led the female participants with outstanding performances.

According to Barrett, the road to organising the event was not without challenges. Securing sponsorship, coordinating logistics, and balancing event planning with regular school duties proved demanding. However, teamwork and the dedication of members ensured its success.

“I want to highlight, especially, our Finance and Fundraising Chair Mrs Judith Brown,” Barrett stated. “But the outpouring of volunteer support and collaboration from schools and local businesses truly made a difference. We want to thank our sponsors, Clinicare, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and Pier 1 who also had the largest group of persons this morning.”

Given the overwhelming response, the association has already set its sights on the future.

“We intend to make the JAGCE Region 4 5K Run/Walk an annual signature event, growing stronger each year and continuing to inspire service, fitness, and solidarity,” Barrett promised. “We want to see 300 participants next year.”

Cyclist Stephen Mahoney (left) receiving a gift from JAGCE Region 4 Immediate Past President Trecia Watkins, for volunteering in the JAGCE Region 4 5k Run/Walk that was staged on October 19. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Patrick Blake (right) is presented with a thank you gift from Deidra Brown for his assistance with organising the JAGCE Region 4 5k Run/Walk. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Aubrey-Ann Walters (left) and Rojourn Miller are all smiles as reps among the children who walked in the JAGCE Region 4 5k Run/Walk on October 19. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Participants in the JAGCE 5K Run/Walk celebrate a successful event. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Dian Higgins (left), JAGCE Region 4 executive member, presents Judith Brown, JAGCE Region 4 finance and fundraising chair and chief organiser of the event, with a gift from sponsor Clinicare. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)