By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

VALENTINE’S Day is just four days away but love was already in the air at the third edition of the ‘Running in Love’ fun run/walk on Saturday at Arawak Cay.

Over 150 lovers and companions participated at the Valentine’s Day-themed event over the weekend in efforts to give back for a worthy cause while getting active with their better half.

The third time participating at the event was certainly the charm for married couple Monique and Kendrick Stubbs. 

The lovers were the first married duo to cross the finish line to conquer the 5k (3.1 miles) route. They were both all smiles as they spoke about the experience.

“It was great. We ran together and we enjoyed the race so to know that we are first is excellent,” Mr Stubbs said.

Mrs Stubbs expressed that it was a particularly nice feeling to come out and support their friends, the Majors.

“It was a nice feeling to just come out and relax and have fun. We normally run and train together because we are a part of the Bahamas Roadmasters Club. We decided to come out and support our friends Marcel and his wife Teresa,” she said.

She added that participating for a worthy cause was also a plus.

“It is awesome and always important to give back. Cancer touches everybody. My mom died from cancer as well so it is always good to give back and help others,” she said. 

Proceeds from the event, which was sponsored by City of Hope, went to cancer survivors Tiffany and Mario Curry.

The Currys are both patients of City of Hope and were overwhelmed with the support they received on Saturday.

“It is a wonderful surprise. It is a pleasure and a privilege. We are honoured and we thank Marcel and Teresa along with Four Seasons Race Management. This is tremendous that we were recognised as honorees for this particular race,” Mr Curry said.

He completed six weeks of radiation late last year while his wife had a double mastectomy. They both were grateful not only to Four Seasons Race Management and City of Hope but also the race participants.

“We are grateful and thankful to everybody who ran, walked and did whatever they had to do to show their love and support for this Running in Love. I would encourage persons next year to be out here, this is tremendous,” he said.

Mrs Curry said participating in the event felt great and their slogan for life is “we are still alive.”

All participants were treated to Running in Love III paraphernalia before and after the race.

Marcel Major, owner of Four Seasons Race Management, spoke about the event’s success in its third year. 

“We would like to thank City of Hope for being our sponsor for the third consecutive year. I think the event went very well and love is in the air and love is catching on. We had a lot of couples that participated who would have not ordinarily done something healthy for Valentine’s so we are very grateful for that. We had over 150 participants, which is a great improvement. The movement is growing,” he said.

Event organisers offered a special thanks to supporters, volunteers, sponsors and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Supporters are encouraged to keep up with the latest events at www.fourseasonsracemanagment.com.

And you should register early for future fun run/walk events.