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PAPINE HIGH SCHOOL dominated the Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk as their student-athletes placed first, second and third at the second leg of the event's much-anticipated return, after a five-year hiatus.

The spirit of more than 3,600 participants were energised from as early as 6 p.m. for a night filled with fitness and entertainment at the event, which was held at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay.

Travellers Beach Resort's Winthrope Wellington and Papine High School's Gizelle James shone, copping the male and female 5K Run titles.

For the first time winners, it was about challenging themselves while giving back to a worthy cause.

Fifteen-year-old James clocked in at 23.12 minutes, while her teammates, 16-year-old Latanya Johnson, (24.29) and 14-year-old Ariella Francis, (25.59) took second and third, respectively.

Wellington, a seasoned marathon runner, crossed the line at 17.26 minutes ahead of Brandon Kerr (17.36), of FITTNATION Run Club, and Marvin Hamilton (17.41) who placed third.

"I feel great as a youngster because a lot of seasoned 5K runners I usually run with, they always go ahead of me and win," said James, who had placed second in the first leg.

"It is a great feeling because I didn't think I would win tonight. I tried to outdo my last time and I was successful. It was hard but I went out there and did my best," she added.

The first leg of the revitalised event took place at Emancipation Park in New Kingston on May 10, drawing more than 4,000 participants, making it a total of 7,600 participants combined.

Wellington told STAR SPORTS that health and wellness is a key factor at all times.

"It is about putting your personal health and fitness as a priority and I think the organisers and Guardian Group accomplished that in doing this race. The warm-ups were well executed and everyone was into it and they did a great job of building a vibe," said Wellington, who noted wanting to test his speed after doing the London marathon weeks ago.

"It was challenging for sure; it was very warm," he continued. "I underestimated the heat and I think I took too long of a warm-up. The radiant heat, I think people tend to underestimate; they think it is going to be cool because it's night. The heat coming from the pavement is what makes it challenging. Luckily, we had a little bit of breeze which alleviated some of that challenge."

In the 5K walk, which attracted the 1,544 finishers, Thompson Damehon was the top male finisher, clocking 31:15 to place ahead of Owen Brown (35:02) and Omroy Samuels (35:23) from Jamaica Fire Brigade, respectively.

Seasoned walker Jullite Reeves of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) took the female section in 36:43, ahead of Sherena Gray from Green Pond High (37.14) and Kareth Harris (38:40).

Since its inception, A Night of Purpose the Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk has raised more than $102 million to support healthcare, youth development, and community renewal across Jamaica.

Proceeds will go towards purchasing equipment for the Bustamante Children's Hospital in Kingston, Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea and supporting Project STAR.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon said: "Thanks to the citizens, the gaps in our healthcare and education systems are being bridged. The city is quickly assuming the title for the largest run/walk in a calendar year."

The entertainment was topped off with an energetic performance by dancehall artiste Ding Dong, which had a sea of participants gathered in Harmony Beach Park for the lively post-race celebration.

ashley.anguin@gleanerjm.com