107 athletes competed in the 4th Virgin Gorda Half Marathon and Six Mile Challenge today, May 9, 2015. Photo: Dean 'The Sportsman' Greenaway/BVIAA/Facebook

Some of the top finishers of the 4th Virgin Gorda Half Marathon and Six Mile Challenge. Photo: VINO

The 'Champion vs Challenger' tussle that was anticipated did not materialise as Timothy 'TJ' Hindes (right) of St John's USVI only had the many climbs challenging him as he defeated Reuben J.A. Stoby (left) in the 4th Virgin Gorda Half Marathon. Photo: VINO

The ‘kat’ fight between Katrina Crumpler (right) and Kathleen Brownsdon (left) did not live up to the hype either as Crumpler ran on her own, smashing her own record in the process. Photo: VINO

Top female road runner Katrina Crumpler also retained her title, clocking 1:47.35 which obliterated her previous record of 1:52.55.

Hindes, of St John’s, USVI, burst to the front and led from start to finish. He was chased briefly by Reuben J.A. Stoby who had to come from behind the more than 100 runners after the race started without him at the start line. Stoby, who was sponsored by Nagico Insurances (BVI), had to settle for second place, his first defeat of the year, while Julius Farley held off the challenge of Rodrigo Dos Santos for third place.

“It was a tough run and I am just glad it is over,” Hindes said after the run. The time run by Hindes is also a new course record for the VG Half Marathon as he bettered his 1 hour 32 minutes and 34 seconds time from last year.

The ‘kat’ fight between Katrina Crumpler and Kathleen Brownsdon did not live up to the hype as Crumpler ran on her own. Beth Simmons of California, USA was second while Jenny McGiver took third.

Participants received a cooler bag and the winners of the Half Marathon were awarded prize monies of $300, $150 and $50, whilst those winning the 6-mile challenge received $50 and $25, amongst other gifts provided by sponsors and the BVI Tourist Board.

The many sponsors of the 4^th Virgin Gorda Half Marathon and Six Mile Challenge included Proudly African, RTW, Oil Nut Bay, Leverick Bay Marina, VG Yacht Harbor, Dive BVI, Necker and Eustacia Islands, Mermaid Pools, Cocoa Maya, the Bath and Turtle, Rendevouz Bar, Therapy Works, BVI Tourist Board and Island Chiropractors.