South Americans Rule the Road at Sea to Sea Marathon

Port of Spain, Trinidad May 24, 2018: "Look how the sun now raising up and the crowd now waking up, the atmosphere have vybz and nuttin' cyan break it up...we ready for the road!" The lyrics of Bunji Garlin's "Differentology" were the perfect anthem for the 3rd annual Tobago International Sea to Sea Marathon. The sister isle played host to runners from all over the world over the weekend, in an atmosphere that can only be described as electrifying.

Pedro Mora of Venezuela cruised home to victory in a time of 2:39:03 to finish first in the 26.2 mile road race, with his Spanish counterpart Jose Diaz of Colombia taking second place in a time of 2:45:43. Trinidad and Tobago was well represented by Curtis Cox who finished third with a time of 3:03:02.

The ladies were no shrinking violets as Palmenia Agudelo of Colombia clocked a time of 3:03:08 to taste victory, with Mary Akor of the USA coming in a close 2nd in a time of 3:09:14 and Kenya's Leah Kigen rounding off the top three in 3:18:55. Action in the half marathon saw Alene Rita of the USA take home the top prize, clocking a time of 1:07:45, followed swiftly by Venezuela’s Didimo Sanchez who came in at 1:08:10. Rounding off the top three was Richer Cobas of Cuba in 1:17:50.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Samantha Shukore showed off her national colours, taking first place in the women's category in a time of 1:29:53, with Queen Chenge on her heels in a time of 1:30:22. Celine Lestrada, in a time of 1:37:32, held the third spot. Salina Scott also did T&T proud placing 5th in 1:44:06.

Republic Bank's Tobago Area Manager, Shedley Branche, in his remarks during the prize giving ceremony said, “It gives us special pride to be able call Sea to Sea a Power to Make a Difference partner. This pride partly stems from the fact that Sea to Sea places a good deal of emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting the environment, both of which are critical to continued success of our societies. But our pride also stems from the strong focus that Sea to Sea has placed on the development of our young people by getting them involved in sport and other activities that prepare them to be future custodians of our natural and cultural heritage. These are all goals that we have been working towards for the past fifteen years under our Power to Make a Difference programme.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Triumphant: Venezuela’s Pedro Mora raises his hand in elation as he makes his way across the finish line in first position, during the 3rd Tobago International Sea to Sea Marathon.