There’s an interesting contradiction when you take part in a long distance race. You are both challenging others and yourself. Yet you feel like part of a community, and you are communing with yourself. It’s the best of both worlds, and in the world of St Augustine and environs, those mutual feelings of competition and “cooperation” were on dramatic display at the 17th UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon and 5K Race.

Over 1,800 participants from 21 countries came out on the morning of November 19 to take part in the first race since 2019. And while there were some challenges as the event warmed up from its three-year hiatus, the energy and enthusiasm was as powerful as ever.

T&T national Nicholas Romany came first in the half-marathon and French runner Cécilia Mobuchon was the women’s winner. George Smith won the 5K race. But in their own way, every participant was a winner. Everyone who pushed themselves against their physical and mental limitations was a medallist. It was also a victory for The St Augustine Academy of Sport and The UWI SPEC, who successfully brought back this beloved regional sporting event.

For the full half-marathon photo gallery, visit The UWI Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/theuwi/albums.