WILLEMSTAD – The 41st edition of the My Guardian Group Walk & Run Curaçao attracted a record number of participants, spectators, and supporters on Sunday, October 25, bringing together athletes from Curaçao, the Dutch Caribbean, and beyond for one of the island's longest-running community sporting events.
Organized by Guardian Group Fatum under the theme “My Health, My Wealth,” the annual event promoted physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement while providing a platform for competitive runners, recreational walkers, and young athletes.
Participants gathered early in the morning at several starting locations, including Guardian Group Fatum, TeleCuraçao, and Koredor. At approximately 6:30 a.m., the starting signal marked the beginning of a morning filled with sporting activities.
The traditional 10-kilometer course took participants from the Guardian Group Fatum office, across the Juliana Bridge, and toward the finish line at Parasasa Beach.
For the first time, organizers also introduced a dedicated five-kilometer running course, expanding the event's competitive opportunities.
The event attracted overall winners from previous Guardian Group Walk & Run competitions held across the Dutch Caribbean, allowing athletes to represent their respective islands in Curaçao.
Aruba and Sint Maarten Athletes Claim 10-Kilometer Victories
In the men's 10-kilometer competition, Aruba's Dy-Onn Courtar secured first place with a time of 35 minutes and 54 seconds.
Jonathan Jansen finished second in 36 minutes and 32 seconds, followed closely by Christiaan Pereira in third place with a time of 36 minutes and 45 seconds.
In the women's competition, Nolwenn Rousseau of Sint Maarten claimed victory in 44 minutes and 12 seconds.
Aline Abdul finished second in 46 minutes and 12 seconds, while Lotte Rothweiler of Bonaire secured third place in 47 minutes and 10 seconds.
The results highlighted the regional character of the event, with athletes from different Caribbean islands competing alongside Curaçao's local running community.
Aruba Runner Wins New Five-Kilometer Race While Pushing Young Athlete in Wheelchair
One of the most remarkable performances came during the newly introduced five-kilometer competition.
Shawn Tromp of Beyond Sport Limit Aruba won the men's race in 20 minutes and 15 seconds while pushing a wheelchair carrying a young athlete with a disability throughout the course.
His performance demonstrated how competitive sport can create opportunities for participation and inclusion.
The young athletes who traveled with Beyond Sport Limit Aruba are active members of an athletics club and also participate in Special Olympics activities.
They train in various disciplines, including wheelchair racing, and take part in competitions using their own wheelchairs.
Sebastian Alvarez finished second in the men's five-kilometer race, followed by Ainsley Maria in third place.
In the women's five-kilometer competition, Lisa Brantenaar secured victory with a time of 23 minutes and 27 seconds. Isabel Ramirez finished second, while Tugce Yumsak placed third.
Young Athletes Shine During Kids Run
The youngest participants also had an opportunity to demonstrate their athletic abilities during the Kids Run, which featured distances of 600, 1,000, and 1,600 meters.
The races were divided into six age categories, ranging from under seven to under 17, and attracted children representing several athletics clubs.
Under the guidance of The Glory Runners, the young competitors demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and a strong commitment to physical activity.
In the under-seven category, Liane Bazoer of Trupial won the girls' race in 2 minutes and 36 seconds, while teammate Sjoerd Pelgrim won the boys' race in 2 minutes and 26 seconds.
In the under-nine category, Ciara Smeins of Trupial finished first among the girls in 2 minutes and 13 seconds. G'K-Dean Camelia won the boys' competition in 2 minutes and 9 seconds.
The under-11 winners were Alannah Leito of The Eagles, who recorded 3 minutes and 50 seconds, and Jeremiah Van Der Spil of Good 2 Be Active Aruba, who finished in 3 minutes and 37 seconds.
In the under-13 category, Xiënna Hernandez of Good 2 Be Active Aruba won the girls' race in 3 minutes and 34 seconds, while Gilyon Barbara of A.V. Sparta claimed the boys' victory in 3 minutes and 32 seconds.
The under-15 category saw two athletes from Good 2 Be Active Aruba take top honors. Jarzhienne Roos won the girls' race in 6 minutes and 11 seconds, while Liam Lampe secured the boys' title in 5 minutes and 26 seconds.
Among the oldest youth competitors, Michaella Curiel of The Glory Runners won the under-17 girls' competition in 6 minutes and 24 seconds. Chayderd Hazel of A.V. Sparta finished first among the boys in 5 minutes and 14 seconds.
The full competition results are available at https://qrco.de/GGWRCUR26.
Sporting Event Also Supports Community Organizations
Beyond promoting physical activity, the annual Walk & Run continued its tradition of supporting organizations that contribute to sports, health, and community well-being.
Guardian Group Fatum uses the event's registration proceeds to provide financial assistance to community organizations.
This year, The Glory Runners received a donation to support young athletes and encourage continued participation in sports.
F4RWRD RNG Club also received a donation in recognition of its collaboration in introducing the new five-kilometer running course.
The Red Cross was another beneficiary.
For 41 years, the organization has supported the Guardian Group Walk & Run by providing medical assistance along the routes and helping safeguard participants' well-being.
Guardian Group Fatum said the donation recognizes the Red Cross's longstanding commitment to the event.
Organizers Thank Volunteers and Partners
The organizers credited the success of the 41st edition to the contributions of volunteers, sporting organizations, emergency services, and corporate sponsors.
Special recognition was given to participating athletes, Guardian Group Fatum employees, volunteers, Scouts, the Stakamahachi volleyball team, and the Curaçao Rugby Federation.
The Curaçao Police Force (KPC), VKC, Defense personnel from the Marine Barracks, Forensys, Bikers, and the Red Cross were also acknowledged for their annual assistance.
The event was supported by numerous sponsors and partners, including EWT, Changes, Panaderia Isa, Kortijn IJs, MNO, CWM, VitaMalt, TeleCuraçao, Samurai, Caribbean Legacy, WTC, Dasani, Patrishi, Fantasy Arts, Total Services, and Selikor.
Guardian Group Fatum emphasized that the event's central message extends beyond the finish line.
Through the theme “My Health, My Wealth,” the organization hopes to encourage people to recognize their health as one of the most valuable investments they can make.
With another successful edition completed, the Walk & Run continues to bring together generations of athletes and community members while promoting healthier lifestyles throughout Curaçao and the wider Caribbean.