BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 15, 2021– It’s been a long time since there has been a long-distance race in which local runners could participate. The Freetown Reserve Promotion Commission thus obtained proper permission to sponsor a race from Ladyville (BDF junction) to Belize City (YWCA), a total of 15K (9.3 miles). Ten of Belize’s young runners, and several veteran runners, lined up at 6:30 a.m. on a bright Valentine Day morning, on Sunday, February 14, to participate in the race.

From the firing of the starting gun, it was Fred Usher, Jr., (son of famed, talented cyclist “Fresh Fred” Usher) who was first out of the starting gates. Fred, Jr., was closely trailed by young, first-time race participant, Ronald Jack Sutherland. After about 6 miles of grueling pacing, Fred, Jr., and Sutherland later teamed up at the front and were clearly the favorites to reach Belize City first. After an hour and 1 minute on the Philip Goldson Highway, Fred, Jr., and Sutherland were neck to neck as they approached the Palloti roundabout. As the duo approached the finish line, it was Fred, Jr., who, with a burst of last- minute speed, initiated the attack and easily outsprinted Sutherland to cross the finish line first. Young Sutherland, 20 seconds later, took second place. Two minutes down the road, it was Delyn Jones who came in third.

The first five runners to finish the race all received cash prizes plus other gifts. Many thanks to Hair Architect Barber Shop, Rat’s Car Wash and Da Biz BBQ for sponsoring this year’s Valentine race. The next race is scheduled for Holy Saturday and another on the weekend of May 1.