Both Jamaica…
By The TimesLedger
Khari White, a York College sophomore, and Jennifer Liriano, a Bayside High School junior, were the first man and first woman to complete the Ninth Annual Jamaica 5K Run/3K Walk along traffic- free streets of Jamaica Center on May 19.
Both Jamaica residents, were competing in the run for the first time and praised the event, sponsored by the Jamaica YMCA and the Downtown Committee of non-profit Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.
White’s time was 16 minutes, 26 seconds. Liriano's time was 20:42 and she was the 12th overall finisher. Some 125 people, ranging from youngsters to senior citizens, took part in the events, with runners covering 3.1 miles and walkers 1.9 miles.
Brett Haber, sports director and Anchor for WCBS-TV Channel 2, started the event, gave lively commentary as people approached the Finish Line and helped present awards.
White, a marketing major, competes in indoor outdoor and cross-country track for York.
“It was great following the police motorcycles when I had the lead,” he said. He also praised the “people along the route who gave us all encouragement.”
Liriano, a music major, runs indoor and outdoor track for Bayside High School, mostly in long-distance events. While familiar with Downtown Jamaica, she said “it all looks different when you run along the streets in this type of race.”
Both received $250 in cash and gift certificates to Modell’s. White also gained a year’s membership to the Jamaica Y.
Among those on hand at the start were City Councilman Archie Spigner (D-St. Albans), who obtained funding for the Run/Walk.
A group that got together to form The Renegade won the Team Trophy. Participants included Arthur Vendryes, Vincent Morten, Sherilyn Hastings and George Brown.
Employees at the Regional Payment Center of the Social Security Administration in Jamaica Center, running as the SSA Stridres, came in second. The team included Bruce Young, Allison Sayre, Ray Hoerle, Ray Lowman and Robert Sayre.
The participation of the GJDC's Downtown Committee was part of its program to promote and enhance Jamaica Center. Proceeds from the Run/Walk went to the Jamaica Y’s Youth Summer Camp Fund
