HomeNewsLocal news42nd Annual Women's Race Celebrates Hope, Healing and Peace

42nd Annual Women’s Race Celebrates Hope, Healing and Peace

Overall winners of the 42nd Annual Women’s Race with their trophies following Sunday’s event on St. Croix. Bridget Klein, center, captured first place overall, while Kennedy James, left, finished second and Aisa Williams, right, earned third place. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

More than 200 women and girls gathered on St. Croix Sunday evening for the 42nd Annual Women’s Race, embracing this year’s theme, “For Hope, Healing and Peace.”

Hosted by the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, the annual event serves as both a community celebration and a fundraiser supporting programs for individuals impacted by violence. This year also marked the coalition’s 45th year of service and advocacy in the territory.

Before the race began, Zumba Queen Roxanne Serrano energized participants with a lively warm-up session, helping prepare runners and walkers for the 5 p.m. start.

In the overall standings, Bridget Klein once again claimed first-place honors. Kennedy James finished second overall, while Aisa Williams secured third place.

Among the younger competitors, Grace Eatmon earned first place in the 9-13 age category. Amel Bain finished second, and Grace Chewning took third place.

Race organizers also recognized winners across numerous age divisions and presented participation awards to celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of those who took part in the annual event.

With arms raised in triumph, a participant completes the 42nd Annual Women’s Race on Sunday evening as fellow walkers and runners make their way to the finish line. The annual event serves as a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The Women’s Race has long been one of the territory’s most recognized community events. According to WCSC Executive Director Dr. Clema S. Lewis, the race has become a symbol of strength and solidarity for survivors and supporters alike.

“For 41 years, the Women’s Race has stood out in this community as the event that supports victim-survivors in our community,” Lewis said in a previous statement. “It has allowed them to actively participate in an activity that’s been a symbol of strength, solidarity, and the enduring spirit of our community.”

Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, center, joins her fellow members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., during the 42nd Annual Women’s Race on Sunday in Christiansted. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s mission is to support and empower people impacted by violence. The organization provides free and confidential services in English and Spanish to individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Programs and advocacy services assist those experiencing or recovering from domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Volunteers distribute refreshments and fresh fruit to participants following the 42nd Annual Women’s Race on Sunday in Christiansted. The postrace gathering provided runners and walkers an opportunity to refuel and celebrate after completing the event, which raised awareness and support for the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix’s programs and services. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The event was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors, including Neighborhood Pharmacy, Good Hope Country Day School, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, Vivot, and many others.

Runners and walkers gather near the finish area after completing the 42nd Annual Women’s Race. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

As participants crossed the finish line and gathered for awards and fellowship, the evening reflected the spirit of this year’s theme, promoting hope, healing, and peace throughout the St. Croix community while helping raise awareness and support for the coalition’s vital programs and services.

A participant displays a commemorative towel provided by Vivot, one of the sponsors of the 42nd Annual Women’s Race, following Sunday’s event in Christiansted. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

For more information about the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix and its services, call 340-773-9272.

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