History was created at THE NATION Funathlon yesterday when a dog walked away with the first prize for the Best Nation Concept category of the event.
The eight-year-old Reba, a regular walker with her owner Esther Barrow, wiggled away with a plaque and other prizes after judges were captivated by its costume – a dress made from the material of an old NATION umbrella decorated with frills.
Speaking on the dog’s behalf, Barrow told the DAILY NATION that it was an honour to win, noting that the mixed breed dog had captured other prizes in the competition before.
“This is the first time she has placed first. She walks all the way without giving any problems, once you give her adequate water. This morning a man told me he hates the dog because she wins prizes already and he never wins anything,” said a proud Barrow.
The winner of the Fun Run for the second successive year was 22-year-old Jerome Blackett. He said he was pleased with the mixture of hills, both up and down, included in the route this year.
“And I am familiar with running this route. I had a bit of competition in the last two kilometres of the race, but my speed work paid off. Next year I plan to enter the Run and place first for the third time,” said the national athlete.
First female to complete the run was Sheena Gooding, a former national athlete. Like Blackett, Gooding was also pleased with the route.
“The start was a bit challenging because of the hills which started from the starting line until we get to Forde’s Road, but I was prepared,” she said.
Male winner of the walk Rodney Blackman found it easy going.
“I put in the training so it was not a challenging walk for me. This is my ninth year in the Fun Walk and I will be here next year,” said Blackman.
Overall female finisher in the walk was another regular and repeat winner Veta Batson.
Winning the prize for the Oldest Registered Walker for the second year in a row was Audley Knight, who turns 79 tomorrow. Knight, who has competed for six years, acknowledged that his pace was slowing down.
“And I was going to call this year the last year but next year THE NATION will be celebrating 40 years and I want to be a part of that celebration. So once I am alive I will be on the road.” (AH)
