( L - R ) Barnett, Pitter

RUNNING IN COOL conditions, defending champion Shawn Pitter and Tanice Barnett, ruled supreme at yesterday's staging of the Burger King Portmore 10K, as both were crowned male and female champions after topping the field in comfortable style.

Pitter, who dominated all road races last year, has been playing second fiddle so far this season to Kirk Brown following the Burger King Montego Bay 7K and the Digicel night race 5K event in Downtown Kingston earlier this year.

He, however, bounced back to winning ways in fine style, leading from start to finish to win in 30 minutes 51 seconds.

Brown had to settle for second in 31:32, while Damion Bent continued his top three finish this season, with a 31:39 run for third. Pitter was happy for his first success this season as he showed a welcome return to his good form.

"I am definitely happy to return to my winning ways as the very cool condition was very helpful. This season I started my preparation late and I was not worried about not yet winning, because I am getting near to my best," he said.

Barnett, who has represented the country at several cross country championships and who had shown good form a week ago, when she won the Hugo Chambers 5K event, was a cut above the field, as she stopped the clock at 39:19 to top her female counterparts.

Defending champion Marleena Eubanks of Edwin Allen was relegated to second place in 40:13, while Holmwood Technical's Lisa Buchanan finished third in 41:34. Asked about her easy victory, Barnett's reply was, "I was not worried about my opponents as I came here to run a relaxed race, because I know I am very strong on the road and I am using these events to get me ready on the track next year because I want to do well in the 800 and 1500 metres," said the former Queen's School standout.

Bellefield amassed 43 points to get the better of St. Jago High on 69 points with Edwin Allen coming third with 85 points. Like they did last year, the St Jago females came out on top as they tallied 43 points to get the better of Edwin Allen on 55 points and Holmwood Technical on 65.

BELOW ARE SELECTED TOP THREE FINISHERS IN OTHER CATEGORIES

MALE AGE GROUP 10-12

1. Nausky Anderon (St. Jago) 39:43

2. Romar Scott (Petersfield)- 41:43

3. Brithton Senior (Rusea's) 50:29

FEMALE 10-12

1. Candice Jarrett (St Jago) - 43:14

2. Rehana Christie (Waterford) - 51:24

3. Tara Bert (Rusea's)- 51:"31

MALE 13-15

1. Tion Grey (Petersfield)- 35:34

2. Romar Mundle (Bellfield) - 36:01

3. Jevaughn Palmer (St. Jago) - 36:31

FEMALE 13-15

1. Derica Pitters (Edwin Allen)- 41:46

2. Monifa Green (Hydel)- 42:00

3. Sasheika Heath (Holm)- 44:56

MALE 16-19

1. Nembhard Palmer (Bellefield)- 33:17

2. Michael Chambers (Holm)- 34:03

3. Roshawn Johnson (GC Foster)- 34:14

FEMALE 16-19

1.Marleena Eubanks (Edwin Allen)- 40:13

2. Lisa Buchanan (Holm)- 41:34

3. Monique McPherson (St Jago)- 41:37

FEMALE 20-29

1. Chante Roberts (GC Foster) 42:21

2. Shanese Young (GC Foster)- 42:28

3. Juliet Dinnal (Unatt)- 42:54