Hundreds turn up for inaugural New Testament Church of God Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk

HUNDREDS OF churchgoers turned out in high spirits for the inaugural New Testament Church of God (NTCOG) Centennial 5K Fun Run/Walk, held on Saturday, July 19, making a vibrant addition to the church’s 100th anniversary celebrations programme.

The event not only celebrated a century of spiritual leadership and community service, but also marked the establishment of the church’s scholarship programme aimed at awarding 100 scholarships to students from primary education through to tertiary studies, reinforcing its commitment to education and community development.

Kemar Leslie, representing the Rainforest/PureLuv team, distinguished himself from the other runners by clocking the fastest overall time of 16 minutes and 41 seconds. Joel Vaugh maintained the momentum, as he clinched the title as the overall winner of the walk race, achieving the fastest time with a duration of 33 minutes and 28 seconds.

Doreen Myrie-Walton, age 69, was recognised as the oldest participant; three-year-old Josiah Plowright, the youngest; and The Waltham Park NTCOG recognised as the largest participating team, fielding 59 members.

Top finishers in both the run and walk categories received trophies, alongside special recognition for the top male and female pastors, celebrating leadership within the church community.

Pastor Kristen Smith, who emerged victorious in securing the Top Female Pastor award, shared her reflections on the significance of the honour and her personal sentiments regarding the effort.

“Winning this award signifies the importance of pastors being balanced in terms of ministry, as well as their physical health. I have always endorsed health and wellness, and striking a balance. I am so pleased to see how we were able to launch the efforts to raise funds for the 100 scholarships. I really appreciated that a lot of people were not a part of the denomination, but really just came to support the cause, and this warmed my heart. It felt very united. It felt like we were just altogether for one cause,” she expressed.

The race’s competitive spirit was complemented by post-race festivities that included singalong competitions and a lively pastor’s dance-off, which engaged the crowd and fostered a spirited atmosphere. The celebrations were heightened with an energetic after-concert featuring renowned gospel artiste, Rhoda Isabella, whose inspiring performance brought an ideal blend of spiritual upliftment and a spirit of unity.

The day’s proceedings commenced promptly at 6 a.m. with lively warm-up activities, followed by the official race, which started at 6:30 a.m., attracting a diverse group of participants, including church members from various NTCOG branches, seasoned runners, casual walkers and community supporters. The race corridor traced a popular route beginning and ending at Emancipation Park, veering onto Belmont Trafalgar and Ruthven Road.

Bishop Notice, the administrative bishop for over 360 churches, concluded with a prayer of gratitude and well-wishes for all participants, underscoring the church’s mission to serve as a pillar of hope, faith, and progress.

With a network of over 360 churches, NTCOG Jamaica remains one of the country’s leading Pentecostal denominations.