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Alen shrugs off health fears to win 5k

Crime Stoppers Road Race outside the Argus building Sunday morning.1st Male Chayce Smith.(Photo by Akil Simmons) October 30,2011

The former track runner was denied glory earlier this month when she succumbed to dehydration after leading the women’s field most of the way in the PartnerRe 5k.However, there would be no denying Alen her moment in the spotlight this time as she held off nearest rival Deon Breary to capture a second Crimestoppers title in as many years.The 27-year-old Englishwoman claimed women’s honours in a time of 19 minutes and 11 seconds to finish ninth overall.Even though her time was nine seconds outside of her personal best over the distance Alen had very little to complain about at the finish.“I felt comfortable and was happy to finish with a pretty good time,” she said. “I just wanted to run comfortably and finish so I just took it out easy.“It didn’t feel too bad. We had a bit of a cool breeze and the course was nice as well, it wasn’t too hilly.”Concerns had been raised over Alen’s health after she collapsed in a heap for the second time in a race during this month’s PartnerRe 5k. On yesterday’s showing though it may be safe to assume that her troubles are now well and truly behind her.“I had some tests with the doctors and everything seems to be okay,” she said. “They put it down to dehydration and pushing myself in the heat.“But I have been taking it easy with my training and also taking my rest days. I am also making sure that I eat properly to stay healthy.”Capping a memorable Crimestoppers debut was reigning women’s Bermuda Day Half Marathon champ Breary, who ran a personal best 19.44 to finish 33 seconds behind Alen.“I was actually surprised with my performance because I haven’t been doing that much speed work,” she said. “I am just starting back up again and so I am happy with my performance.”Rounding off the top three in the women’s field was Tamika Williams, who crossed the line in 20.22..Claiming overall Crimestoppers honours for the first time was 24-year-old runner Chayce Smith, whose time of 15.42 saw him break the tape nearly two minutes ahead of nearest men’s rival Juma Mouchette.Smith said he felt good about his chances for success heading into the race, contested for on a slightly altered course.“I was confident I could do well and once I got to the two mile mark and saw there was no one behind I knew I would be okay,” he said. “I didn’t know what the course was going to be like and it did have a bit more upgrains and turns. The goal is to go under 15 minutes, but I was far from that.”Berkeley Institute student Mouchette came home in 17.26 to provide yet another demonstration of the enormous potential he has.“Juma had a very good race,” Smith said. “He ran out with me and I was surprised that he hung with me and finished under 18 minutes, which was a good run for him.”Gideon Rigotho was the third runner to cross the line in a time of 17.45. David Oatley (8.43) and Quinnae Outerbridge (10.16) claimed boys and girls honours in the 1.5 mile junior race, while Sinclair Smith (33.30) Davina Dickinson (33.56) clinched men’s and women’s honours in the 5K walk.

Crime Stoppers Road Race outside the Argus building Sunday morning.Left- Corinne Peach and Natalie Dyrli (Photo by Akil Simmons) October 30,2011
Crime Stoppers Road Race outside the Argus building Sunday morning.(Photo by Akil Simmons) October 30,2011
Crime Stoppers Road Race outside the Argus building Sunday morning. 1st female Jennifer Alen (Photo by Akil Simmons) October 30,2011