James Carr is the current Male Ceres Champion having won comfortably in 2012. Ravindra Sukhu, though has been training hard and will be looking to make sure there is a new Champion for 2013. Photo: VINO/File

Maria Mayes will also be looking to defend her Women's Title as the 2013 series kicks off with the City Circuit on Saturday June 15, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

The 2013 Ceres 10k series comprises five races of which any 3 races make a series. The first race is the City 10k Circuit which will start on the Mondo track at the AO Shirley recreation at 6:30 A.M. with registration from 6 A.M.  Walkers will be sent on their way at 6:10 A.M.

The course loops Road Town and starts at the 200m line on the Mondo Track in the A.O. Shirley Ground. Athletes will circle the track to exit at the South Gate and turn left toward Purcell and around Purcell roundabout, return to Bobby’s roundabout and continue along the Sir Francis Drake highway to Prospect Reef roundabout. 

From there the course returns towards Peebles Hospital and continues along Main Street before turning left at the High School and into lower Estate. It follows the road turning toward the Police Station and then right at the Traffic Lights and heads back into the Shirley Ground. The finish line will be on the track at the 100m line.

Walkers should stop at the roundabouts and cross without rounding for safety.

The roads are open and participants must have prior experience of open roads and run at their own risk. The course has been measured on the pavement so it is not necessary to cut corners to shorten the course.

Water stops will be provided near 2 miles, (opposite the track) and 4 miles, (returning by the hospital).

Trophies and Sponsors’ goodies will be awarded at the finale in the following categories;

Running – Male and Female 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd overall

Race walking- Male and Female 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd overall

Finisher – all participants completing 3 races

2012 saw an exciting Series, although James Carr was in unbeatable form for much of the season. In the Finale he held off the spirited challenge of Ravi Sukhu to win the race and confirm his position as overall Champion. With all but the overall third place position decided, the real race was between Sukhu and Zebalon McLean with the former sitting in 4^th as the race began. Sukhu though also had a point to prove and although Carr led from start to finish, the result was far from a formality.

Carr set the pace and led the race from Road Town to Sea Cows Bay and return, creating over a minute lead on his rivals. However, on the return leg, Sukhu who was ahead of Maria Mays, pulled away from her and began cutting into Carr’s deficit.

Someone alerted Carr that Sukhu was coming and he had just enough to step on the gas and win in 40 minutes and 23 seconds to Sukhu’s 40:25.

Mays was the top woman in 42:11, and was followed by Katrina Crumpler in 43:19 and NiMade Oniasih, 47:40.

In all, there were 65 different participants in the series that began in July with 33 men and 32 women competing.

CERES 10K RACE DATES

June 15, 2013 -  10k City Circuit

July 13, 2013   -   Beef Island

September 21    -   Carrot Bay

October 19     -     East End

November 9-     Half Marathon tune up and awards

**Next UP**

June 22 – Olympic day run Virgin Gorda – HLSCC campus

June 23 – Olympic day run Tortola – AO Shirley grounds

July 13, 2013   -   Ceres 10k race 2 - Beef Island

BVI Half Marathon – November 30, 2013