Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain became the stage for athletic excellence on December 13 as the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Cross Country Championships crowned its champions. The open category titles were seized by former Carifta champion Tafari Waldron and the formidable Alexia John, who both delivered masterclasses in endurance and strategy.
In the men’s fiercely contested 8K race, Waldron of UTT Patriots demonstrated superior stamina to conquer the four-lap challenge in 28 minutes and 18 seconds. The athlete secured a decisive victory over Defence Force’s Christopher Mitchell, who finished 22 seconds behind at 28:40. MAP’s Donnell Francis claimed the third podium position with a time of 31:09, while Ajani Titus-Baynes completed the top four finishers at 32:54.
The women’s 6K event witnessed a breathtaking performance from 25-year-old Alexia John of Pace and Performance Factory. Establishing an extraordinary four-minute margin over her closest rivals, John dominated the three-lap race with technical precision and powerful running. Experienced campaigner April Francis of Abilene Wildcats secured second place, while Wolf Pack’s Dana Taylor captured third position in the open division.
Emerging talents made their mark in the junior categories, with national youth athlete Aniqah Bailey showcasing exceptional promise in the Under-20 women’s 6K. The Pace and Performance Factory runner clocked an impressive 16:25, establishing a nearly three-minute advantage over second-place finisher Kiesha Adams of Memphis Pioneers (19:14). Another Pace and Performance athlete, Ayoola Alfred, completed the top three with 19:44.
Darius Harding continued his winning streak from last month’s Secondary Schools Track and Field National 5K by triumphing in the men’s Under-20 6K event. The Concorde athlete stopped the clock at 13:18, holding off a strong challenge from Pace and Performance’s Omare Thompson (13:44). Cougars’ Isaiah Alder rounded out the podium with a time of 14:18.
The Under-17 categories produced equally compelling contests, with Pace and Performance’s Shian Lewis leading a club one-two in the girls’ 4K with 17:02. Gianna Pichery secured second (18:54), narrowly edging QRC Athletics’ La Queen Welch (18:57). In the boys’ equivalent, RJRT’s Jeremy Samaroo (14:31) outperformed Carifta Games 800-meter gold medalist Brion Scott, who finished second in 14:48. Jamal Bailey completed the top three with 14:59.
Additional youth champions included Secmyah Andrews (girls’ Under-11 2K), Myles Edwards (boys’ Under-11 2K), Nyla Kerr (girls’ Under-15 2K), and Ashton Torres who led a Redline International one-two finish in the boys’ Under-15 2K ahead of teammate Raymond Lewis.
The masters categories celebrated veteran excellence with victories from Anselm LeBourne (men’s 60-plus 6K), Guswil George (men’s 40-plus 6K), and Susannah Joefield (women’s 60-plus 6K).