This year’s 12th Annual ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ Fun-Run-Walk fundraiser event, for only the third time in the history of it being held, saw Mr. Miska Clarke (Jerry’s Chile) being caught.
The approximately five-mile course of the event, which takes participants in the early morning blood-warmer, from the Cork tree at the center of James’ Cistern’s homecoming site, to the beginning of the fenced wall of the Governor’s Harbour airport, also witnessed the fastest run finish time, since the Fun-Run-Walk was first staged.
Businessman, avid distance runner and visionary of the fundraising event, Miska Clarke, assisted by ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ committee members – all from James’ Cistern, including; nurse Bernadette Colebrook (asst. chairperson), Angelo Bethel, Caroline Rolle and Romeo Rolle, have been putting on the event, aimed at promoting healthy, active lifestyles, while raising funds for a number of health, wellness, and community initiatives within the Central Eleuthera area – from the Cancer Society, to life-saving equipment for public clinics and the Health Association of Central Eleuthera (HACE), community sports, ‘jaws of life’, education scholarships, and much more.
The race was well supported, with full contingencies of participants from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Pineapple Fields, Aliv, as well as a variety of other generous business and individual sponsors. Healthy numbers of community members registered to take part in the 2024 race, held during the morning hours of Saturday, May 4th, and more than 50 people showed up in time to take part in the ‘wake-up the body’ warm-up session headed by Superintendent Franklyn Neely, and there was an on-time start at 6:30 a.m. sharp.
Mr. Clarke, as in each year, was given a few seconds of a head-start, before participating runners set off to ‘catch’ him – followed by the walkers, taking part to get in their early morning workout, and possibly overtake speed-walker and local resident – Ross Bethel, who has won the walkers division nearly every year since its inception – with this time being no exception.
The chosen beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser, with a focus on education, were selected 2024 high school graduates in the Central Eleuthera area, headed to continue their education at the tertiary level. Applicants, explained nurse Colebrook, would be considered by the committee, during the month of May – and she encouraged all eligible 12th graders to apply for possible assistance with tuition, books, housing, travel, and other aspects of their foray into higher education.
In an amazing 38 mins/14 secs total run-time, teen participant Develus Culmer, won the runners division, not only catching up to, and passing Jerry’s Chile, but blasting through the run record, and setting a new finishing bar for upcoming ‘Catch Jerry Chile’ races. He was followed by Miska Clarke, who finished in second, and Lavarrick King in third place. In the walkers divsion, serial winner, Ross Bethel took first place, followed by Michael Culmer in second, and Destiny Seymour who claimed third spot. Top finishers were awarded with trophies, as well as bragging rights until 2025.
Following the morning run, Mr. Clarke commenting on the rare occurence of being caught in the race, said, “It is really exciting to see that. When I get competition, they push me to better myself as a runner. I really appreciate them coming out… It was encouraging.”
He was also very pleased with the participation and overall turnout, adding, “If you look at the registrants, we had as many as 80 people register for the race. This year is significant for me, in that today is actually my mother’s birthday – and the race is named after her – Jerry’s Chile. So, it’s extra special for me… We are definitely going to continue, and we are excited about what we do – all the team members. We had excellent sponsorship, and the participation from the different communities was also very encouraging. We appreciate everybody.” Health, said Miska, would once again be the focus, in reference to next year’s beneficiaries of funds raised – emphasizing that their was always a need in that area which could use help in being met. “This is a matter of us helping ourselves,” he remarked.
