The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net It was a strong showing for Bahamians in the third annual Marathon Bahamas presented by Sunshine Insurance. Bahamians took the top spot in seven different age groups, including the best finish by a Bahamian in the brief history of the event. Sidney Collie finished as the top male resident and second overall in a time of 2:47.40s. The 32-year-old Collie finished five minutes behind overall winner Bryan Huberty, who took the top spot in a new course record of 2:42.53s. It was the fastest time recorded by a Bahamian at the event since Delroy Boothe won the inaugural event in 2010 in a time of 2:59.31s, while Collie was second in 3:11.33s. Other local winners included six males and one female in each of their respective age categories. Peter Wagner took the 19 and under category in 4:37.32s, Ronald Albury won the 25-29 group in 3:27.25s, Boothe, who also finished fourth overall, won the 35-39 group in 3:01:19s, Greg Lowe in the 55-59 group in 3:45.26s, and Basil Smith took top honours in the 65-69 age group with a time of 3:57.37s. Mellany Zonicle was the lone female divisional winner with a time of 5:26.59s in the 60-64 category. Cheryl Rolle was the top overall female resident in 4:10.03s. Twenty one Bahamians finished in the top 100 and the field posted an average finish time of 4:32.28s. The 26.2 mile race was the centerpiece of race weekend on Sunday, January 15, and took participants through a course designed to showcase the diversity the capital has to offer. According to event organisers, Marathon Bahamas remains special because of the Bahamas' rich history and culture that marathoners get to experience through the race course. The 26.2 mile journey began at Junkanoo Beach, through the historical downtown area, bypassed oceanside island views as runners hugged the northern shore of Cable Beach and ultimately led to an oceanfront finish line at Arawak Cay. In addition to two days of racing through the streets, a Health and Fitness Expo open to the public was held on January 14 and featured "healthy lifestyle demonstrations, nutritional items, the latest in running gear" and a number of other health conscious topics. Plans are already underway for the fourth edition of Marathon Bahamas scheduled for January 19-20, 2013. Registration opens May 1.