Montego Bay businessman, Frederick Moe (left), winner of the Freeport One-Mile race and his opponent, Fontana Pharmacy's Ray Therrien, at the end of the race at the Lagoons on Sunday morning. - Photos by Janet Silvera

When renowned Montego Bay businessman Frederick Moe turned 40, he was told by his friend Dale Delapenha of Delapenha's Funeral Home that he was washed up.

"He also said that his mother would beat me in the walking Half Marathon last November, so I challenged him to a one-mile run," said Moe.

Well, last Sunday, after thunderstorms rocked the second city earlier that morning, Moe was dressed in his running gear as he strutted towards the starting point - the Freeport Police Station entrance for his much touted one-mile run with his opponent.

Flyers had gone out, a small crowd was out to see the anticipated friendly competition, and Moe was in his element, hungry to prove he was not washed up but young, fresh and green. Delapenha felt the road was wet and treacherous and the race should either be postponed or moved to another venue.

The fun-loving Fontana Pharmacy's Ray Therrien jumped in, replacing Delapenha and rescuing the day.

The rest is history. Frederick Moe won the race in four minutes and 38 seconds and has sent out a challenge to Delapenha, "I am inviting Dale to walk with me in the December Half Marathon at Reggae Marathon, but my mother will be entering so he needs to watch out for her."

In the meantime, the well-respected undertaker is in training, getting ready to show his real prowess in the October 31, Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival in Montego Bay.

Even young Kristina Munroe and baby Ethan Moe were out for the much anticipated Freeport One-Mile race.

Shelly-Ann Brandon and Brian Wright left Kingston at 1 a.m. on Sunday, just so they could be at the Montego Bay Freeport by 6 a.m. for the Frederick Moe/Ray Therrien race.

Dale Delapenha and Nohaud Azan strike a pose at the race.

Spectators (from left) Stuart and Nicola Delapenha and Jennifer Lopez were out at 6 a.m. on Sunday for the much anticipated, two-man, one-mile race, which was won by Frederick Moe. - Photos by Janet Silvera