Organizers Report Increased Participation
THE Castries/Gros Islet Highway belonged to thousands of fitness-conscious walkers last Sunday morning as they participated in the 18th annual Pinehill Funwalk.
Blessed with totally sunny weather this year, the event saw many making the laborious trek from the Sab Facility to Pigeon Island National Landmark. Those lucky enough to finish the walk early enough were presented with gold, silver and bronze medals.
Fitness warmups were also among some of the exciting activities held at Pigeon Island National Landmark as fitness instructors took the participants through some of their basic steps to the accompaniment of the carnival season’s biggest hits.
There were many treats for walkers, thanks to concessionaires who gave out samples freely. Children, too, were treated special: bouncing castles and free lunch!
Jason Sayers was the first person to cross the finish line on Sunday, registering his fourth Pinehill Funwalk win. He won a trophy and a food hamper for his effort.
Other prizes were raffled on the day, including trips to New York, day and weekend passes and a cellphone.
An elated Pinehill Brand Manager, Krystal Francois, told The VOICE that she was happy the way everything flowed on Sunday, especially the walkers’ satisfaction.
“A lot of our walkers had fun, which is what we want: to promote healthy and active lifestyles and fun. Some people walk for fun while others walk for fitness,” she said.
She said registration for this year’s walk exceeded last year’s and that organizers are looking forward to continuing that trend for next year. The fun aspect of the walk, she added, will remain a constant, especially since plans are being made to make the 20th anniversary of the walk even more special.
“When people think of the Pinehill Funwalk, they think about excitement and fun. So we’re going to make every year much better than the year before,” Francois said.
Many walkers continue to disregard organizers’ pleas to begin the walk at the starting line, often in an effort to pick up a gold medal at the finish. However, Francois said the main purpose of the event is simple.
“It’s not really a competition. What we really want is for people to do the walk, have fun and be healthy,” she said.
