7K Road Race: Alex Ekesa and Samantha Shukla emerge victorious at Chinese Community Friendship run

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In a thrilling display of endurance and athleticism, Alex Ekesa and Samantha Shukla claimed top honours at the Chinese Community Friendship 7K Road Race held yesterday at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

The race was organised to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago, but it was Kenya’s Ekesa and Trinidad and Tobago’s Shukla who stole the show, each securing TT$3,000 for their respective victories.

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Alex Ekesa: Turning the tables

Kenyan distance runner Alex Ekesa clocked 21 minutes, 25 seconds to win the men’s race, reversing his fortunes from last year’s edition, where he finished runner-up to Nicholas Romany.

This time, Ekesa enjoyed a comfortable lead over Romany, who came in second with a time of 21:41. Trinidad and Tobago’s Tafari Waldron, who placed third in 2023, repeated the feat this year with a 21:49 finish.

“This was my moment,” Ekesa remarked after the race. “I learned from last year and knew what I had to do to secure the win.”

Samantha Shukla: A class apart

In the women’s race, Samantha Shukla was once again the standout competitor, retaining her title with a time of 28:55. Shukla’s performance was not just a victory but also a personal milestone, as she improved on her 2023 winning time of 29:16, despite initial doubts about her speed this year.

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“It was cool, so I expected the race to be really smooth,” Shukla explained. “But the course was challenging. When I saw other females around me in the first mile, I picked up the pace. I’m grateful my body responded well, especially after dealing with injury setbacks.”

Second place in the women’s race went to Shian Lewis, who finished in 29:21, while Aniqah claimed third.

Run Barbados beckons

While Ekesa and Romany had already secured spots in the prestigious Run Barbados event later this year due to their reigning champion status, this left an opportunity for Tafari Waldron to claim the coveted all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the event. Waldron, the Carifta Games 5,000-metre champion, will now represent Trinidad and Tobago in Barbados, a fitting reward for his third-place finish in the 7K race.

For Shukla, the victory also came with a ticket to Run Barbados 2024, where she hopes to continue her streak of strong performances.

A challenging course

The 7K Road Race began and ended at the Queen’s Park Savannah near TGI Fridays, covering a scenic yet demanding route. Participants circled the Savannah in a clockwise direction before heading down Charlotte Street to Independence Square, up Henry Street, and onto Gordon Street, with a final push up Frederick Street leading back to the Savannah.

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“The 7K distance was different,” Shukla noted. “As a runner who’s used to 5Ks and 10Ks, it was a challenge to decide when to push and how to pace myself over the middle distance.”

A celebration of diplomacy and sport

The Chinese Community Friendship 7K Road Race was not just about athletic competition but also a celebration of the long-standing diplomatic ties between China and Trinidad and Tobago. The event brought together top athletes from across the Caribbean and beyond, showcasing both regional talent and the spirit of international friendship.

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With Alex Ekesa and Samantha Shukla emerging victorious, the race highlighted the resilience, strategy, and sportsmanship that defines competitive road racing. As both athletes now set their sights on Run Barbados 2024, they continue to inspire a new generation of runners in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

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