DISTRICT 5 (West Coast Berbice) and Corentyne (District 6) collected their first wins when the National Schools Championships commenced yesterday morning, with Vaneia Hemerding and Delroy Leitch prevailing respectively in the female and male categories of the 10km road race that started on CARIFESTA Avenue.
The Berbicians ruled in an event usually dominated by hinterland athletes, and saw Leitch avenge his last year’s loss to Ricky Williams from North West (District 1). He finished over 50 seconds faster than he did last year.

As the rain beat down on the athletes in the final minutes of the race, a drenched Leitch was the first athlete to cross the finish line some 35 minutes four seconds after he started, in a race where only 12 of the 15 districts participated.
Williams came in second place just two seconds behind Leitch, to collect 8 points for his District. Leitch’s first place earned his District 10 points.
A time of 38 minutes 35 seconds was registered by District 5’s Daniel Gaskin for the third place finish.
North Georgetown (District 11) and Linden (District 10) battled for fourth place, with North winning the fight, thanks to Ronaldo Wishart and the 39 minutes 22 seconds that he ran, just two seconds in front of Samuel France.

On the distaff end, things were a little less competitive as girls dropped out along the trail, and only four of the eight girls completed the journey.
Hemerding’s winning time stood at 49 minutes 10 seconds. She triumphed over Alicia Marks (District 1), who crossed the finish line in 49 minutes 38 seconds.
Niocy Anthony from District 10 had a time of 52 minutes 32 seconds. District 6’s Sarswattie Matading was the only other female, ending the race after 65 minutes and 19 seconds.
District 11 took a hit when Tabitha Bowman did not finish the race.