The 40th Women’s Race was held on Sunday, hosted by the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. The Women’s Race is an annual run, walk, and push stroller race through 2 miles of road through the historic Frederiksted town.
Throughout the day, the weather did not seem favorable, but the passing rain did not stop the event as it provided a cooler run for participants. This year’s event was a bit different, as men participated in the run.
In the end, once again, the winner of the women’s race was Bridget Klein, and the winner of the men’s first place was Dominic Pugliese. For the Stroller Category, Blake Schluter and Emma Schluter took first place.
“This year was dedicated to “her.” “Her” is all the victims. We thought since this is the 40th year it would be a great time to bring men, brothers, sons, husbands to add them to the mix,” Executive Director Clema Lewis said.
Lewis said that this year, more than 200 participants signed up, and it was one of the largest pre-registrations.
“I feel so good about today. I feel so good about our people came out. They understand why we’ve been here for 43 years and there’s a lot of survivors,” said Lewis.
Participant and local attorney Lydia Moolenaar reflected on a memory she saw for the 32nd year, but she has been involved since they used to do the walk in Christiansted. “Support for the Women’s Coalition is very important to this community, and I want to show my support. As I say violence against women and children is not sleeping. We should not sleep either. Forget about the rain, I brought my umbrella,” she said.
“I’ve been here for many years on St. Croix. It was nice to see it come back,” said Elvin Lambert, a male participant who said he joined with friends.
Another male participant, Jahre Williams, said, “I feel good, I feel great, this is my first time, and I enjoyed it. I’d like to see more people come out.”
One of the top sponsors, Innovative‘s Vice President of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs, Jennifer Matarangas-King, said, “I’m very happy to be here this year, and I have to say I am so happy with the turnout and the love. The weather was not great today, but everyone came out, which shows the amount of support for the type of work the Women’s Coalition does.” Viya provided free MIFIs to the top three winners.
Winners for the virtual ages 14 – 70 years old that did the women’s race took part from Florida, Atlanta and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jalaina Stokes won first place for the 14-year-old category, Gnique Stokes won for the 21-year-old category, Lisa Murren and Janelle Stokes won for the 40-year-old category, Caroly Stokes-Smith won for the 50-year-old, Charmain Akers-Hewlett, Ingrit Daley Wayne Daley and May Adams Cornwall for the 60-year-old category, and Jo Shim and Shirley Ziegler for the 70-year-old category.
Vivid Streaming donated 200 to the winner of the livestream and the other to the coalition.
