The Annual Catch Jerry Chile (CJC) early morning competitive Run/Walk fundraiser, marked its 13th annual hosting of the road event in James’ Cistern (JC) on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, with several dozen walkers and runners, determined to master the approximately five-mile course, winding from the iconic Cork Tree in the center of JC, along the main highway, all the way to the Governor’s Harbour airport and back.
Members of the CJC organization, including visionary, Mr. Miska Clarke, along with nurse Bernadette Bethel, Mr. Angelo Bethel, and Mr. Romeo Rolle and others, each year, aim to impact some form of medical or social need within the Central Eleuthera communities – with a variety of beneficiaries over the years; including, the Health Association of Central Eleuthera (HACE), the Eleuthera Cancer Society, Public Health facilities and equipment (defibrillators and more), the Royal Bahamas Police Force – jaws of life accident response equipment, as well as other community initiatives.
People who are currently ‘shut-in’ within their homes, because of health, age, and other challenges, were the focus of this year’s fundraising efforts, said nurse Colebrook, “The goal this year is to raise funds to assist our sick, shut-in, and our disabled persons within our communities – from Gregory Town to as far as Savannah Sound. We are identifying persons that would probably be in need of meals, and we are providing meals daily. Also persons who are disabled that may need ramps or some other type of access to their building, like wheelchairs, walkers, any assistance that they may need.”
The Run/Walk, which got started at 6:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday morning, since its inception more than a decade ago, includes an element of friendly challenge. Mr. Miska Clarke, a marathon enthusiast, and a son of ‘Jerry’, is annually given a few seconds headstart, before the other runners, who are challenged to ‘catch him’. In his physical prime more than a decade ago, when the CJC first began, Mr. Clarke held on to the top finishing spot in the runners division for many years. He was, however, bested by young athlete, from Palmetto Point, Mr. Develus Culmer in 2024 – and two others joined Culmer this year in beating out the longstanding champ of the CJC.
In the runners division, coming in first on Saturday morning, in a blazing 38 minutes, 14 seconds – matching his 2024 performance, was Devilus Culmer. He was followed by Levarrick King in second (42:32, who improved on his 2024 third place finish), and arriving in third place was a female competitor, Cate Armstrong in 43 minutes, 14 seconds, to round out the top finishers in the runners division. In the walkers division, serial winner, Ross Bethel, in a surprise turn of events, conceded first place to longtime participant, Tom Glucksmann – and settled for second place. A female competitor also earned third place in the walkers division, with Stephanie McPhee, following closely on the heels of Bethel.
Top finishers were all awarded with trophies, as well as bragging rights until 2026.
Mr. Clarke expressed that he was very pleased with the participation and overall turnout this year, with people coming out from a number of different communities. Also, with more than $13,000 raised, and on the Saturday morning said to be still growing, Mr. Clarke extended a big thank you to all of the generous donors who had given toward the cause.
