SHERWYN Stapleton edged Kenyan Alex Ekesa by two seconds yesterday morning to win the annual Venture Credit Union 5K in Couva. Stapleton, 30, and Ekesa, 36, have been involved in some close battles recently locally, including the Van Sertima 5K two months ago where the former prevailed.

With the island under a tropical storm warning, the athletes braved the bad weather to compete in the 20th edition of the popular event.

International winners Alex Ekesa, left, and Veronica Jepkoskei of Kenya at the Venture Credit Union 5K yesterday.

Stapleton crossed the finish line in a brisk 14 minutes and 54 seconds, ahead of Ekesa (14:56) and Winston Missigher (15:17) respectively. Veronica Jepkoskei Ngososei was the overall female winner.

The winner in the open TT category was expected to receive $2,000, with the top finisher in the open and international category taking home US$700.