Cross Country Breaks New Record for Number of Participants

NEWS RELEASE Posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 - 11:47 AM EST

(MIAMI- Oct 24) Her legs were trembling, and she almost passed out after crossing the finish line, but she did not stop. Her sister, running behind her, felt the same way. Call it sisterly love. Determination starts early for the twins Aylwyn and Emily Hernandez from Hammocks Middle School. The two girls won first and second place in the Junior Orange Bowl Cross-Country Invitational last week, Varsity division.  

"I feel sick, but it was worth it," said Aylwyn as the volunteers from the Miami Children's Hospital iced her swollen ankles at the first aid tent. Miami Children's hospital is a sponsor of the Junior Orange Bowl and they provide first aid response to all athletic events. 

The championship took place at Larry & Penny Thompson Park where Middle and High School children participated. The rough terrain of the park, made it clear for competitors that the race wasn't going to be easy. A record number of more than 1,200 kids from more than 50 schools were enrolled to compete this year. 

Competitors were ranked both individually and by school teams. The first 15 individuals were awarded medals, and trophies were awarded to the champion and the runner-up teams. The Middle School track was two miles long. Carver Middle School was the winner of men's Junior Varsity with team average time of 14: 43. Ammons Middle School won the Varsity with team average of 13:25. Ammons Middle School was also the winner of women's Varisty and Junior Varisty with team average times 14:42 and 17:03. High Schools ran 5k, and the winners were Miami Sunset for the women's with an average of 22:55, and Belen Jesuit for the men's, with an average of 17:23. 

Oranges and bananas were distributed to the athletes by the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, courtesy of "Robert is Here," a fruit stand in Homestead. 

The Cross Country Invitational is the first of a series of events of the Junior Orange Bowl Festival, which is comprised of more than 15 events, and over 15,000 athletes and scholars participate every year. More than 5,000 of those participants are from out of town, and over 80 different countries. 

The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children's Hospital, The Orange Bowl Committee, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and Board of County Commissioners. The JOBC, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the community of South Florida and the Youth of the world by providing opportunities for wholesome, competitive and multi-cultural experiences. For more information, please call 305.662.1210.