By Beth David, Editor
The 12th annual West Island 5K lucked out in the weather category this weekend. The Sunday race, on 4/27/25, missed the big storm on Saturday, to end up with cool and cloud skies and a temperature hovering around 60, but with lots of wind. Perfect for running, a little chilly for spectators.
Fifty-one kids under 12 took the streets in the Kids Mile, and 192 competed in the 5K.
For the kids, top finishers were: Denver Shimala, 11, in 6:39; Nolan Barbosa, 11, in 6:40; Hudson Davis, 12, in 7:02. Girls: Virginia Gonsalves, 10, in 7:58; Vera Moran, 9, in 8:40; Ayden Medeiros in 9:05.
For the big kids, it was Paul Wu, 29, of Providence with first place in 18:38; followed by Daniel Rutledge, 24, Rochester, in 18:47; Harrison Zheng, 16, Fairhaven, 18:51. Females: Rebecca Coutigno, 38, Fairhaven, 21:06; Rebecca Laliberte, 37, Dartmouth, in 21:14; Julie Marshall, 32, Dartmouth, in 23:12.
In the 80+ category, Barbara Belanger, 88, took the top prize, being the only one in the age group.
Organizer Lyle Drew made sure to point out that Ms. Belanger was his Cross Country coach in high school.
The West Island 5K began when Mr. Drew found out the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program was in danger of being shut down due to lack of funds. Proceeds from the race go to the program, and also benefit West Island Improvement Association Scholarship Fund, and Strive and Achieve.
Learn more at westisland5k.org/5k-runwalk. Race results are on RaceWire at: https://my.racewire.com/results/38202
-
- Runners under 12 years old take off as fast as they can in the Kids Mile Fun Run held in conjunction with the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Virginia Gonsalves, 10, is the first girl over the finish line in 7:58 in the Kids Mile Fun Run held in conjunction with the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Shelby Hamilton of Fairhaven raises her fist in triumph as she crosses the finish line in 28:54 in the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- L-R: Carson Davis, 9, and Jacob Costa, 11, are neck and neck at the finish line with Mr. Costa edging out Mr. Davis, 7:31 to 7:30 in the Kids Mile Fun Run held in conjunction with the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Denver Shimala, 11 (RIGHT), makes it over the finish line first with a time of 6:39, with Nolan Barbosa, 11, right behind him with a time of 6:40 in the Kids Mile Fun Run held in conjunction with the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Connor Flynn, 28, and Viana Mendoza, 27, of Assonet, cross the finish line together with hands up in triumph in 32:27 in the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Edward Hamilton, 40, of Fairhaven, raises his fists in triumph as he crosses the finish line in 22:28 in the 12th annual West Island 5K on 4/27/25. Photo by Beth David. =
•••
Click here to download the 5/1/25 issue: 05-01-25 WI5K
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
