Saint Lucian Conquers 90km Ultramarathon in Qatar

Saint Lucian fitness enthusiast and athlete Jordan Florentville recently completed a 90-kilometre ultramarathon in Qatar—an event described by participants as the most anticipated race in the Middle Eastern nation. Dubbed the Qatar East to West Ultra, the race, held on Saint Lucia’s National Day, December 13, spanned from Doha on the east coast to Dukhan Beach on the west coast, taking runners past iconic landmarks. Participants competed in the event either individually or as relay teams. Although the desert conditions presented a serious test of endurance, even for the most seasoned runners, Florentville said it was “no real major challenge” other than strained hamstrings from the obvious toll on his body. The Babonneau native said the opportunity to represent Saint Lucia on the international stage meant the world to him. “Honestly, there’s always a sense of pride when I represent Saint Lucia,” he said. “I don’t do it in the conventional diplomatic way where this is a live event and people follow it and the nation is behind me. Most of the places I go, I find myself as the only Saint Lucian. Sometimes I’m amongst Caribbean people, but most of the time, for these types of events, I usually...