Karl Thompson, Managing Director of Unique Vacations, stated that the challenge they faced during the first day of Island Run Antigua was exactly what they expected.

Thompson was one of 25 runners who participated in the all-island charity run, which aims to raise £100,000 to support pediatric healthcare services at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the Sickkids Caribbean Initiative.

The event comprises an Ultra Marathon 100KM Run, a 21Km Half Marathon Run on Saturday, October 14, and a 10Km walk also on Saturday.

Despite the rainy start on Wednesday morning, the participants persevered through the route and finished at Jolly Harbour, receiving cheers from both local and international supporters.

According to Kamar Thomas, an ultra-runner from Sandals Grande Antigua who crossed the finish line first on day one, the challenges of the road were nothing he wasn’t prepared for.

Thomas said, “I know the route well. I probably went harder than I needed today, considering I still have three days ahead. I think I will try to pace myself over the next two days and close out on Saturday with everything I have left in the tank.”

The first day’s group included runners from Sandals affiliate Unique Vacations Inc., UK, Digicel Antigua and Barbuda, as well as several local participants who committed to the 100 km 4-day Ultra Marathon across the island.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, expressed her satisfaction with how the opening day turned out.

Clarke said, “This has been such an exciting event to plan and be a part of. We definitely saw a few things out there today that we might change going into subsequent days, but it has truly been an amazing experience so far.”

For local runners Vernon Lyndsay, “It was tough but I made it through, it was an adventure and overall a good challenge and push.” Meanwhile, for Rajiv Burton, the changing weather was another element that tested their wits, “It was really harder than expected. I think the rains, then sun, and then rains again made a big difference. But it was a good initiative and it’s up to recovery time right now.”