Runners start the first HLSCC Highland Spring Race on Virgin Gorda last Saturday. Photo: TODD?VANSICKLE The Virgin Gorda leg of the 17^th H. Lavity Stoutt Community College/Highland Spring Race Series got under way on Saturday with 45 participants.

In the Men’s Open Division, defending champion Emrol Amsterdam won first place in a time of 12 minutes and 1.87 seconds in the two-mile run.

In the Women’s Division, Lavern “Ebony” Fahie crossed the line first in a time of 17 minutes and 55.14 seconds. Ms. Fahie, the 2006-2008 overall female champion, has been participating in the race series since she was in primary school.

The second race on VG is scheduled for Oct. 6, while the HLSCC/Highland Spring races return to the Paraquita Bay campus on Saturday.

Registration is at 6:30 a.m. and the race starts at 7 a.m. For more information about the series contact Stephanie Russ Penn at 852-7216.

See the Sept. 27, 2012 edition for full results.