More than 2,500 runners and walkers turned out for the fifth annual MBJ Charity 5K/10K Run/Walk, delivering record participation and sponsorship while raising $30 million to fund scholarships and community grants across Jamaica.
The event, staged by MBJ Airports Limited, brought together elite athletes, corporate teams, and families in a celebration of fitness and philanthropy.
Jamaica College standout Evans Tetteh stormed to victory in the men’s 10K with a time of 34:16, edging out Kemar Leslie of Rainforest Seafood (34:23) and Jomo-Rhys Gilman of Pureluv (35:36). In the women’s division, Cecile Heinrich of Pacers crossed first in 44:24, followed by teammate Dandie Williams (45:44) and Arieta Martin of Rainforest Seafood (58:04).
In the 5K, Garfield Gordon of UCT Steppas claimed the men’s crown in 15:39, while 17-year-old Anieta Gutzmore of Rainforest Seafood dominated the women’s race in 22:21. Young talent shone throughout the field, with Jamaica College’s Amponsah Dominic (16:24) and Rainforest Seafood’s Odane Davidson (16:51) rounding out the men’s 5K podium, while Papine High’s Gizelle James (22:50) and Yasheka Bean (23:43) took second and third among women.
“Seeing our young people not only participating but excelling in events like this gives me tremendous hope for Jamaica’s future,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited. “When we invest in our youth and create platforms for them to shine, they rise to the occasion.”
Rainforest Seafood fielded the largest team with 161 participants, followed by Playa Hotels & Resorts (131) and GFS Team Mobay (78).
Age was no barrier to competition: Gerline Nelson, 85, completed the 5K in 45:04, and Lawrence Watson, 76, clocked an impressive 29:39. In the walking categories, Paula Sinclair of UCT Steppas won the women’s 5K (32:33), while Duwell Allen of Creation Foods Ltd. led the men’s walk (26:39).
Munroe noted that the event has grown beyond a fundraiser into a national wellness celebration. “Every participant, from our youngest runners to our most senior walkers, contributed to building a stronger, better Jamaica,” he said.
Grant applications for MBJ’s expanded islandwide programme remain open until September 30, 2025 at www.mbjairport.com.
