Jogger Jammers compete to raise funds for Family Resource Center

ST. THOMAS - More than 270 women crossed the finish line at the 30th annual Women's Jogger Jam and contributed to a good cause Sunday. Reigning champion Ruth Ann David was the top finisher for a third straight year.

The 2-mile race took place on a paved course that wrapped around Schneider Hospital and ended near The Fruit Bowl. David finished in a time of 11 minutes and 59 seconds.

"It was such a great race and the energy level was very high," said the 38-year-old David, who is a high school cross-country coach and a former USVI Olympic Track and Field team member. "The adrenaline was pumping the whole time, and it was a very well-organized event."

Girls and women of all ages walked, jogged and raced to benefit the Family Resource Center, Inc. as The Fruit Bowl doubled up on its contribution from previous years and donated $10 for every registered finisher.

One year after setting the attendance record of 435 participants, Sunday's race attracted 327 registered runners and 271 finishers.

"The funds will be used to maintain our safe house. That is used to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault," said Vivian St. Juste, the executive director for the Family Resource Center. "We depend on these funds so we can maintain our ongoing programs and support."

The Family Resource Center has been the beneficiary for the race the last four years and has existed in the St. Thomas-St. John district for 31 years, St. Juste said.

David said she is still not in "racing shape" as she prepares for the next installment of the 8 Tuff Miles Road Race, which will be held on St. John on Feb. 25. She will be taking aim at a 3-peat win in that race as well.

"I was like 15 seconds slower this year, so I'm not happy about that," said David, whose 7-year-old daughter, Shaiah, finished in 19:59 and won the 6-and-under age division. "But I think the important thing is that we raised a lot of money. This race really fits the spirit of the women on these islands."

Elizabeth Conklinm who won the STAR Jingle Bell 5k Run in December, was the runner-up Sunday in a time of 13:12.

Charlotte Amalie High School cross-country runner Shirvel Luke finished in 13:21, winning the 13-18 age division and taking third overall, followed by CAHS track coach Lakesha Moore, who was fourth overall in 13:35.

The race was broken down into nine age groups. Two Team Challenge trophies were given out to the school and organization with the most participants.

The Seventh-day Adventist Women's Ministry Group had 28 participants and won the organization award, while the V.I. Montessori School and International Academy was the top school, race director Teresa Hodge said.

Freelance photographer Thomas Layer contributed to this report.

- Contact sports writer Aaron Gray at 714-9102 or email agray@dailynews.vi.

30th annual Women's Jogger Jam results

St. Thomas, Sunday

Overall finishers

1. Ruth Ann David 11:59

2. Elizabeth Conklin 13:12

3. Shirvel Luke 13:21

4. Lakesha Moore 13:35

5. Delma Lake 14:04

6-and under division

1. Shaiah David 19:59

2. Zindzhi Ottley 28:24

3. Jahnesha Benjamin 29:36

7-12 division

1. Alison Bartsch 15:34

2. Alisha Aaron 19:13

3. Christina Brett 19:14

13-18 division

1. Shirvel Luke 13:21

2. Delma Lake 14:04

3. Karima Maynard 14:13

19-29 division

1. Lakesha Moore 13:35

2. Corynne Young 16:09

3. Kiechelle Williams 19:35

30-39 division

1. Elizabeth Conklin 13:12

2. Lisa Parfitt 14:08

3. Adrianne Baird 15:09

40-49 division

1. Simone Francis 15:27

2. Irene Greaux 16:22

3. Julia Ryan 18:40

50-59 division

1. Laura Kline 14:26

2. Candace Grant 17:32

3. Kelly Suazo 18:10

60-69 division

1. Gloria Salas-Linquist 16:31

2. Carole Goldberg 16:49

3. Joyce Gliniewicz 19:50

70+ division

1. Patty Varga 21:38

2. Marley Offeroahl 22:01

3. Audrey Zachman 34:54

Source: race director Teresa Hodge

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