Jason Sayers and Laura-Lynn Limery emerged victorious from the 2025 Kwéyòl 5K Run powered by Lucozade. The third edition of this landmark road running event, hosted by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA), attracted over 75 runners, despite heavily overcast skies in the morning on October 19.
Runners aged five to 53, including two athletes from Martinique, navigated the flat course from Reduit to Pigeon Point. SLAA president Dora Henry told St. Lucia Times that more than 100 people had registered, but the bad weather affected final numbers. Still, led by close to 30 combined athletes from SLAA affiliates Road Busters and Morne Stars, the event enjoyed a robust turnout.
Sayers, running for 758 Adventurers, crossed the line in 17:15.83, followed by Donson Stanley of Soufriere just about 30 seconds later, then Neville Dupre of Dennery Falcons hot on his heels. Limery of Road Busters was the first woman across the line in 21:14.00. Her young teammate, McKayla Olivier, was nearly two minutes back, and Abigail Herman of Sprint Tech came in third.
The largest team representation came from the Road Busters Athletics Club, with an impressive 18 registered participants, demonstrating the power of teamwork and community spirit.
In a field that included CARIFTA athletes and seasoned road runners, alongside casual walkers and fitness enthusiasts, Jean Pierre Ponchateau, 53, and Jessica Varisot, 51, were the oldest participants, both hailing from Martinique. Although the event was meant to be for athletes at least 14 years old, five-year-old Adam Ramdatt of Morne Stars finished the distance with apparent ease.
“I think it was a very well-executed event,” said Henry. “The energy was high from Friday [October 17], when people started collecting their packages. So all in all I am satisfied with the turnout considering the inclement weather expected later today.
“We want to celebrate our Creole culture. Branding and image is big for us. We are powered by Lucozade, and if you could see our bright colours today, we have for orange for our shirts. So we just plan on being more visible, being out there promoting the event, going out to the schools, going to corporate Saint Lucia, and doing the best we can to ensure that road running is a big thing,” she concluded, noting that plans for a bigger event in 2026 are already underway.
The SLAA is also hosting a series of mile runs in various communities. The first Run A Mile was held at the end of last month at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who made the event possible, Henry said: “The 2025 Kweyòl Run was a huge success and lived up to the association’s expectations. It was a perfect blend of celebrating our Kwéyòl culture while engaging in physical activity. We are proud of the participants, officials, and supporters who continue to make these events memorable.”
The SLAA extends sincere thanks to its event brand sponsor Lucozade, represented by Acado St Lucia Ltd., for their support of athletics and healthy living.
