Rain, Sun and Run!

Christopher Mitchell, a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, breezed past 718 other competitors—including seasoned runners—to win the second Catholic News Steps for Hope 5K Run/Walk at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday, May 24. Mitchell, 33,  completed the course in 16:39,  earning the $1,000 cash prize.

The race, organised by Bafasports in collaboration with Catholic Media Services Limited (Camsel)/The Catholic News, started around 4.30 p.m. despite some rainfall, and ended opposite the Archbishop’s House under sunshine and cheers. Speaking to The Catholic News, Mitchell shared that he has been running “on and off” for ten years and had also completed  the Midnight Marathon on May 18.  In second place was Isaiah Alder, 17, of the Endurance Elite running crew and a Carifta bronze medalist, who clocked 17:21 and received $750. Last year’s winner, middle distance athlete Omare Thompson, 18, placed third with 17:34, earning  $500. Top female finisher was Alexia John, placing ninth overall in 20:31. Heqpera Khafra followed with a time of 26:19 (32nd overall), and Claire Fortune came third at 26:52 (36th overall). Among the participants were clergy showing their athletic side, including Fr Mikkel Trestrail,  assisted by Vanessa Burgess, and Fr Matthew Martinez OP.

There was spirited competition in the children’s

(7 years and under and 8 years and older) 1K run/walk. As in the adult race, males took the top places. In the seven and under race, Ty Ransome, 7, a pupil of Maria Regina Grade School took first place. He’s no stranger to competitive races, having participated in events hosted by Nestle and  Maple Leaf International School. He was followed by Aryan De Souza, 7, and Daniel de Freitas, 6. The females in this age group were led by Miya Ninvalle of Bon Air Government Primary followed by Mia-Li Acosta, 4, and Skyy Charles, 7. In the 8-and-older category, Ayele James, 12, a Form One student at Signal Hill Secondary, Tobago, and a member of the St Joseph RC Parish, claimed first place. Jaylon Cedeno and Josiah Henry took second and third respectively. Among the girls,  Melissa Davis, 10, of Success Laventille RC, came first, followed by Jenya Sharpe and Syrai Sylverton. Children’s prizes were sponsored by Gopaul Toy Store, Holiday Foods, Acado Foods and Sundays.

Before the start of each race, Vicar for Communications, Fr Robert Christo, offered a blessing and prayer, and also  blessed the sponsors and Catholic booths. Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon offered the prayer for the 5K and sounded the starting horn. The family prize went to the Sambrano family, while St Paul’s RC, Couva, was again the top parish  with close to 30 runners. Several prizes were distributed to individuals and groups.

General Manager of Catholic Media Services Ltd, Kathryn Tardieu, said the 5K race was sold out two weeks in advance, despite adding 250 more spaces. Sponsorship, she said, has also grown. “The turnout was lovely, so much joy and camaraderie. We are really looking forward to 2026,” she said.

The 5K/1K are intended to engage The Catholic News community in a fun, healthy, family friendly experience “outside the pews”. Tardieu mentioned the wide participation—from all genders, religions and races—having a wonderful time of community and fellowship.  She explained there is a fundraising element to the event aimed at growing the digital communications ministry to reach more people with good news. –LPG