Jermaine A. Ricketts powers to the finish line at the West End 2 Mile Run on December 7, 2024. Photo: BVI Runners

Participants of the West End 2 Mile Run held on December 7, 2024. Photo: BVI Runners

Previous course record holder Jonathan Lynch, left, placed second while Julius Farley came third in the West End 2 Mile Run held on December 7, 2024. Photo: BVI Runners

Katrina Lindsay, the female course record holder, won the 2024 West End 2 Mile Run in a time of 12:31.65. Photo: BVI Runners

The race began at the entrance of Benjamin A. Romney Park with a total of 43 competitors, running eastward, making a turn at Towers and returning to the Park’s entrance to finish. Participants ranged from 5-year-old aspiring athletes like Limiel Hodge Jr, the youngest competitor, to seasoned road race veterans like Ricketts, Jonathan Lynch, Julius Farley, Katrina Lindsay, Rosmond Johnson and Rachel Smith.

Course record for Ricketts

Winning the event in the male category was Ricketts, with a time of 11:04.42. Ricketts established a new course record. The previous record of 11:24.70 was established by Jonathan Lynch, the second-place finisher, in 2022.

While reigning course 2X champion Jonathan Lynch was viewed as the race favourite, having shared the HLSCC 2-mile victory with Ricketts, the latter clearly had alternate plans. Lynch was quick to utilise his sprinting ability, taking an early lead; however, with a year of distance running under his belt, Ricketts came back and settled the debate of who would reign champion at the 2024 WE2MR.

Julius Farley rounded off the podium finish, securing third with a time of 12:07.90.

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring distance runners, Ricketts stated, “Just do your best and always remember your effort counts not only to you but to others as well.” Ricketts further stated, “I’ve competed in most of the distance races held this year, breaking the record wasn’t my aim this morning, I just wanted to run a fast race.”

It's Lindsay again!

The top female finisher was Katrina Lindsay, who is the current female record holder at 12:09.40. Lindsay finished with a time of 12:31.65.

Veteran road racer Rosmond Johnson was second with a time of 15:33.89 while Rachel Smith was third with a time of 17:40.30.

Post race, when asked about race strategy, Lindsay said: “My first objective is always to get to the halfway point. Once done, I focus on my return. This is where I push and remind myself that the end is near.”

Dr the Hon Dawson pledges support

First District Representative and Junor Minister for Agriculture Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson was present at the event and stated that he was pleased to have the Race in District 1.

Hon Dawson, while commending all participants for having a competitive spirit while being mindful of maintaining a heightened level of physical fitness, further stated that he intends to encourage more community involvement as events like this provide an ideal platform for living healthy lifestyles.

Race organiser and President of the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) Mr Steve Augustine said that he was pleased with the turnout, thanking participants, volunteers, race officials and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Augustine also stated that he anticipates greater participation in future years.

All participants were awarded medals and t-shirts made possible by KennyTees.

Click HERE for a complete list of race results