In the past year, Reuben J.A. Stoby has quickly emerged at the top of the middle and long distance road running field in the Virgin Islands, but his dreams extend well beyond the island’s sandy shores. Photo: Provided

Reuben J. A. Stoby renews his sponsorship deal with Nagico Insurances BVI. Photo: Provided

Stoby with some of his awards for the 2015 Road Racing Season. Photo: Provided

With consistency, training and local support from companies such as NAGICO Insurances, Stoby is hopeful for an Olympic run in the future.

“Stoby is a motivated athlete with big personal goals which fit right into NAGICO’s own business and community objectives. We are supporting him in a meaningful way and it is always a joy to see persons achieve what they set out to do when help is provided,” said Customer Relationship Officer, Shaquilla Smith, after NAGICO signed Stoby to a second year sponsorship deal.  

Stoby started running in 2013 quite by accident. As a journalist, he went to cover a 10K race for a sports story and decided to give it a try.

“I nearly didn’t finish the race after going out hard. After the run I was encouraged by the race coordinator Kay Reddy to continue in road racing,” Stoby said.

In 2015, Stoby smashed several records and earned the BVI Athletics Association’s Road Racing Athlete of The Year.  

“I enjoy it more now because I have realised how running can condition a person both mentally and physically. Going for an early morning run is the perfect start to the day.

Competitively, Stoby enjoys seeing the hard work paying off. He continues to improve steadily and is just excited to see how fast he can run with more training. To improve, Stoby knows that it takes support.

“NAGICO believed in me from the onset, which has helped me to believe in me even more. As I pursue my dream of Olympic Marathon qualification for 2020 I want Nagico to share in my success and joy every step of the way,” Stoby noted.

Further, he stated that NAGICO has a strong presence in the BVI community as it supports many causes, including in health, social development and sports.

“As a sports person I commend NAGICO for its involvement in supporting athletes in various sports, including, basketball, cricket, squash, tennis and athletics. The community is definitely better with NAGICO,” Stoby highlighted.

For the 2016 season, Stoby hopes to defend his 5K, 10K and 2-Mile titles; win the Virgin Gorda Half Marathon and BVI Half Marathon.