The Bahamas finishes 2-3 in half marath

Mon, Jan 16th 2012, 09:31 AM

David Ferguson and Mackey Williams gave the fans in attendance a treat yesterday, as they battled for most of the race in the third running of Marathon Bahamas.
They ended up second and third respectively, in the half marathon. Ferguson, a physical education teacher at Government High School, finished second in 1:20.32, and Williams finished third, in 1:21.29. American Cobi Morales took the half marathon title, in 1:17.00.
Just like his WildSide Online Elite Racing teammate Bryan Huberty, who took the full marathon title, Morales said that his strategy was to pace himself in the first part of the race and finish strong coming down to the end of the race.
"It was a beautiful course and the people were beautiful as well," said Morales yesterday. "They kept cheering and that was a big motivational factor. I had a blast. I came here expecting to have a good time - not really focussing too much on winning but just to come here and compete well. Winning was a plus and I accept that, and I'm very happy with it. It wasn't my best time, but it was good considering how powerful the wind was."
Second place finisher Ferguson said that he was hoping for a better time, but is thankful for finishing the race in good health and being the first Bahamian to cross the finish line.
"It felt good," said Ferguson. "I've been doing a lot of training in the last five months, trying to get ready for this race. I feel like I should have ran about three minutes faster today but it's okay. I made a few mistakes but I'll make the adjustment for next year's event. I did the preparation and trained for the bridge so it didn't throw me off at all. We knew what to expect from the bridges so that wasn't a factor. I just didn't adjust to the wind like I should have," he added.
Williams said that he enjoyed the back and forth battle he had with Ferguson, and will look to come out on top next time.
"It was a workout, but I felt good. There is always room for improvement," said Williams yesterday. "I felt that I could have done a little better but the headwind played a factor today. It was like a battle of the fittest out there. He (Ferguson) prevailed today but there's always next time. We were going head-to-head straight through today and he edged me out."
Distance runner Williams said that he was motivated from the crowd yesterday and just having a desire to finish the race, and finish strong.
"There was a lot of self motivation and to know that it is being done for health reasons is an added benefit," said Williams. "My motto is, 'Your health is your wealth', so I believe that you have to take care of the body and eat right. The bridges were a challenge but by the grace of God, I made it through and I was able to finish. It was more mental than physical today. Thank God that I was able to hold on."
American Jessica Crate, from Melbourne Beach, Florida, was the first female in the half marathon. She finished fourth overall in 1:21.47.
"I felt great," said Crate. "It was an amazing course and it was a lot of fun. The wind was a little tough coming back, but it was a good challenge. The people here were great - along the route and at the finish line. People are always a good motivating factor in any race and today wasn't any different. They played a huge part in me going on. It was very inspirational. The scenery was amazing as well. Overall, it kind of reminded me of all the marathons that I ran in combined into one. The bridge was a lot of fun because we got to overlook the entire area. To top it off, it was a beautiful day. I'm just thankful that I was able to come here and perform well."
Crate finished seven and a half minutes ahead of the next female competitor in the half marathon. The first Bahamian female finisher in the half marathon was Jessica Murray. She was 13th overall, in 1:34.47.
Bahama Drie won the male team competition yesterday in 3:31.29, Kananga was second in 3:44.28, and One Team Campbell rounded out the top three in 3:47.37. S. Bahamas of SDA Female Team won the female team competition in 4:10.42. In the Co-ed Division, Island Street Art prevailed in 3:02.13, Pat Kemp Carpet and Wall Covering finished second in 3:17.38, and C.R. Walker Sr. High School was third in 3:36.24. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Team number two finished fourth in 3:45.17.

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