Youngsters tune up at CUC Sunrise 5K

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 5 March 2019

More than 200 runners and walkers showed up for the 2^nd annual CUC Sunrise 5K on Saturday, 2 March 2019 – an event that raised funds for the Sunrise Adult Training Centre and the Cayman Islands Athletic Association.

The top performers were members of 345 Athletic Club, who have their eyes set on representing the Cayman Islands when the 2019 CARIFTA Games are held here next month.

19-year-old Victor Magallhaes was the quickest overall finisher, completing the 5.4km course in 17 minutes, 9.12 seconds. His teammates Levi Superville (18:45.33) and James Crooks (20:14.49) were next across the finish. Javier Perez was fourth in 20:36.59.

Ava Hider was fifth quickest overall, as the first female to complete the course. She clocked in at 20:49.46. Dubadah Boldeau was the second female finisher in 21:15.17 and Barbara Gubbins third in 22:17.33.

: Ava Hider collects her trophy from CUC CEO and President Richard Hew.

: Victor Magallhaes collects his trophy from CUC CEO and President Richard Hew.

Magallhaes spoke to CaymanSportsBuzz.com shortly after crossing the line. “It was a bit different for me, as I haven’t run much in West Bay before. I experienced some hills but I just attacked them and kept going. A 5K like this helps with mental toughness [as I prepare for CARIFTA and other meets],” he said.

Meantime, Hider, who is also set to make her second appearance at the regional youth track and field showcase, said it was a nice atmosphere. “I was hoping to go sub-20 minutes and the course is a little longer [than a 5K], so I think I got where I wanted.”

Despite not having access to the Truman Bodden Sports Complex track due to renovations ahead of hosting CARIFTA, Hider has remained upbeat. “We’re doing a lot of other training, which is good because as a middle distance runner we are able to train more than just on the track. It is a bit of a disadvantage, but we are happy to get back on it,” she said.

Hider and the other local athletes will have their opportunity to test out the new surface at a pair of meets scheduled for this month.

See full results here.

Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) Ltd has been a longtime supporter of athletics and first held the 5K in 2018. The CUC CARIFTA Championships, a meet that serves as a national trial, will be held 22-23 March at Truman Bodden Sports Complex.