When Clint Wells first decided to compete in this year’s Race Weekend 2013, the Colorado resident was leaning more toward the half-marathon, but it is a good thing he changed his mind. When he returns home, not only will he be showing off his conch shell trophy, he can now brag that he is the record holder in the full marathon.
In his first marathon in The Bahamas, the four-time All-American at Colorado and three-time USA World Cross Country Team member, set a new course record in the full marathon. He completed the 26.2 miles race, which took him along a picturesque route of northern New Providence, in 2:33.09. Last year’s time was 2:42.53, ran by Bryan Huberty, also of the United States of America (USA). The fourth annual Marathon Bahamas was held on Sunday and attracted about 1,200 runners from around the world. The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure registered about 2,300 participants. Both races are big hits in the annual Race Weekend, that is staged by Sunshine Insurance.
“It was really good. I started out pretty conservative with another guy we ran together for about 15 miles,” said 37-year-old Wells. “At the turn around is where we separated. When I started coming back, he wasn’t with me anymore, so overall, it was good. It was hot, a bit humid for me. The course is beautiful; the ocean is awesome. I like how you go through the city a bit, then you go along the coast and then back. It is a lot different [than other courses]. It is one of my favorite courses.
“Training was good. I honestly just found out two weeks ago that I was doing it. I was training more for a half-marathon rather than the full, so it went well. It feels good. I felt strong and excited to know that I set a new course record. It was the goal coming in.”
The first Bahamian to cross the finish line, in the full marathon was Sidney Collie. He improved on his overall time, and set a new course record for Bahamians. Last year, Collie ran 2:47.40. This time around, he stopped the clock at 2:45.14.
At the end of the course, Collie thanked God, his coach and family members for the support. He said he started training for the rigorous race about four months ago.
“I am happy that I beat my old time from last year,” he said. “I am improving day by day. I have about four more marathons to go. I was using this as a warm-up for them. I have the New York marathon, Boston and Chicago. It feels great to be the first Bahamian to cross the line.”
Angela Cobb, 29, returned to The Bahamas and won the women’s full marathon title in a new course record for females. Cobb, a resident of Melbourne Beach, Florida, ran 2:54.44. She is the overall winner from Marathon Bahamas II. The view for Cobb was an enjoyable one. She also noted the weather, describing it as perfect for a long race.
“I felt a little bit more prepared for what I was about to encounter, weather wise,” said Cobb. It was a good day, and I had a lot of fun. It was me and the guy on the bike the whole way. I just wanted to stay with him. Of course he will never let me get ahead so it was a good challenge. I started training about the middle or end of the summer, doing 20 long runs that consist of 20-plus miles a week to condition my body to the heat, dehydration and the distance. This is my second time and I really enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun. The people are very friendly and I like the music.”
The winning time in the half-marathon was 1:11.36 ran by 29-year old Jonathon Volpi. That time was also a new course record, beating the old record of 1:17 ran by Cobi Morales last year.
Alice Henly was the first female to cross the line in the half-marathon. She clocked 1:22.35. The top master male in the half-marathon was Jon Williams and Carolyn Silvey won the top master female award. Williams’ time was 1:19.53 and Silvey ran 1:35.35.
Runners weren’t the only ones taking to the street to participate in the annual event. ‘Kids of Courage’, a volunteer group that supports disabled children with different genetics or chronic illnesses from the USA, registered about 70 persons to compete. Spokesperson for that group Marc Gamss said they wanted to use the event as a fundraiser, as well as provide another special opportunity for their members. Zach Pollack was one of the young adults who participated in the race in a wheelchair.
Pollack said he enjoyed his time along the route and love The Bahamas. During his stay, at the Atlantis Resort, Pollack and others swam with the dolphins and visited several historic sites. Bahamian Renaldo Green led the way for disabled persons in the country. Green, a former student of Doris Johnson, said he will definitely do it again if given the opportunity.
Chief organizer for the event Franklyn Wilson thanked everyone who participated and those who came out and supported. He is expecting an even bigger crowd next year.
Wilson said: “Awesome – that is the word I am hearing most from people crossing the finish line. That is not my word. What they are referring to, the most beautiful part of this, is the route. Where else do you run a marathon anytime of the year, with a route like this, along the seashore? There is so much water; it is just perfect. Also, this is January. Where else in the world is the weather like this in January? When they say the friendliness of the people, they also speak about the great organization which we are very grateful for. I am not just talking about awesome from a business standpoint; I am talking about awesome from the Bahamians who participated in this. It is giving them a wonderful feeling to be a part of something large as this with persons coming from all over the world.”
As for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Bahamian Ramon Williams won that event in 18 minutes and 11 seconds.
By Kelsie Johnson
Guardian Sports Reporter
