Young Runners for Life Second Race Results In; Training Begins for June Battle Cancer Walk/Run

By WANDA STAKUTIS Seine Bight Running Club & Young Runners for Life Press Volunteer gregvwandas@gmail.com

On Saturday, May 12 we had our second of four races for the Young Runners for Life series, which saw the participation of 33 runners. These races are open to all youth between ages nine to 18. Points accumulate for each runner based on where s/he places and makes them eligible to receive grand prizes at an official award ceremony coming this December. At the end of the second race, ribbons were distributed to first, second and third place winners in each category of the event.

Thanks to our many volunteers, the race was set up with water stations and official time keepers just like the big marathons. Each runner also sported a race bib. The 9-11 year olds ran a 2.5K and the older kids, a 5K. Volunteers included: Kathy Anglin, Mary Kay Bader, Kirwin Ramirez, Patricia Ramirez, Julia Uren, Darcy Ucles, Tiphany Gongora, Lynn Ann Snellman, Linda Cazin, Megan Rodden, Raquel Battle, Joshlin Merwin, Gregory M. Valiton, Pamela Murray, Cheryl Watt, Megan Leslie and the Placencia Police Department.

The Young Runners for Life would also like to recognize Rodolfo Sáenz de Ugarte of Swan Villas and Vacasa Rentals for his support from afar, and Alan Stamm of Paradise Resort for donating two watermelons. Our gratitude extends to Julia Uren who donated ideals (fruit pops) to each runner – a welcome treat at the finish line as it was a very hot morning! Our third race will be held in August or September, and the final race is slated for October. As always, with the race on the Placencia Peninsula Road, volunteers will be needed. The continued support of the Peninsula is appreciated.

The attendance at the running club has been increasing every week with the total number of participants averaging between 27 and 32 every Saturday. Most mornings the young runners show up before 6 a.m. when their volunteer coaches arrive. Needless to say, they are getting more serious and have been working very hard, especially with the annual Battle Cancer 5-Mile Run/Walk event, a fundraiser organized by the Blissful Sage Foundation, drawing near. We start our morning with warm ups followed by Fartlek (circuits) training. This is a slow jog followed by a sprint – a routine that is repeated three times without stopping. After that, if the field is dry, we complete timed sprints, some sprint races and a relay practice. With record keeper Cheryl Watt around, the runners can see from week to week how their times improve.

All the youths who participate in the Battle Cancer 5-Mile Run/Walk from Seine Bight are sponsored this year, and there have been so many people who have stepped up to sponsor more than one. Linda Dodge, a former co-worker of mine from BJ’s Wholesale Club in the United States is sponsoring eight students. Thanks to everyone who have supported Seine Bight runners for the event year after year. I am amazed at the incredible generosity of people here on the Peninsula and from far away. We are already signing up our young runners for the End of the World Full and Half Marathon coming up in December. The goal is for them to raise as much of their entry fees as possible (BZ$10 for Swan Villa 10K registration fee, BZ$15 for the pasta dinner and BZ$80 for the marathon). Look out for our fund raisers!

We try to get each runner for the December marathon as new as possible shoes because this is a serious and long race, and proper footwear is extremely important. This effort is getting easier. Laura Sen, another former co-worker of mine and former president of BJ's donated a good sum of money to purchase shoes. In trying to find the best way to buy shoes in the USA, yet another work associate of mine, and a runner, Kevin Jones who happens to work at PUMA was able to get us a 60% discount on brand new running shoes, so we were able to purchase top grade running shoes for 30 runners! Working with Belize Concierge shipping we will have the shoes here by July.

Many thanks to Linda Dodge, Kevin Jones and Laura Sen, old friends who are now new friends of Seine Bight. And as always, heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports us.▪

Runners take off at the start of the race in Seine Bight Village.

Coach Greg Valiton strikes a pose with "volunteer extraordinaire" Darcy Uclez.

Tridean Martinez, 10, making her way towards eight place in the 2.5K race.

Coaches Greg Valiton and Kirwin Ramirez sporting newly donated club shirts.