Team USM Places 31st in Around the Island Relay
November 12, 2026
Team USM placed 31st in the St. Maarten’s Day Around the Island Relay Race. Team Captain Shobhan Giterson praised the runners’ determination, thanked Mr. Gordon for assisting with training and invited the USM community to join next year’s team.
Team USM proudly placed 31st in the 39th Annual St. Maarten’s Day Around the Island Relay Race, held on November 11, 2026.
Competing under the theme “Running the Course,” the University of St. Martin team successfully completed the demanding 11-leg race, which brings runners together from across the island to celebrate teamwork, endurance and community spirit.
The USM team brought together students, alumni, members of the wider community and visiting students from Delft University of Technology. Some participants were experienced athletes, while others accepted the challenge of participating in their first major relay race.
The runners representing Team USM were Robert Gabriëla, Dayshaun Gordon, Flavia Carvalho, Wieger Dop, Syihesha Jermin, Imani Lafleur, Allenson Lafleur, Noortje van Galen, Shayden Philips, Ty Farquharson and Tiego Graanoogst with buddy runners Saudi Gabriëla, Kion Mills, and Michiel Wirjosentono,.
Each runner contributed to the team’s successful completion of the race, with several participants running alongside assigned teammates and supporting different stages of the course.
Myah Heward, Diana Joseph, Noam Werners, Blanca Ebbink and Zamir Narvaez were also valued members of Team USM, providing support and encouragement throughout the event, although they did not compete as runners.
Preparation for the race began several weeks in advance, with team practices held on the Boardwalk and at the Causeway. The early-morning sessions helped participants improve their fitness, understand the demands of the different legs and develop the coordination needed to move runners efficiently around the island.
USM extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Gordon for assisting with the team’s training and helping the runners prepare for the physical demands of the race. His time, guidance and encouragement contributed to the team’s preparation and successful completion of the course.
The 31st-place finish represents more than the team’s final position. It reflects the commitment of individuals who trained, showed up for one another and worked together to ensure that USM completed every stage of the race.
“Giving up is not an option,” said Team Captain and USM Head of Marketing Shobhan Giterson. “We had runners with different levels of experience, but everyone remained committed to completing the course and supporting one another. We are proud of what the team accomplished, and we look forward to competing again next year.”
The participation of visiting TU Delft students also demonstrated how academic partnerships can extend beyond research and the classroom. By joining Team USM, they became part of one of St. Maarten’s longstanding community traditions while continuing to experience and connect with the island.
USM extends its appreciation to Pink Pearl for contributing towards the team’s running shirts and Skanda Fashion for sponsoring hoodies for the runners. Their support helped the team participate proudly and visibly as representatives of the university.
Appreciation is also extended to everyone who assisted with transportation, water, coordination, photography and encouragement along the route. Successfully completing an island-wide relay required support both on and off the road.
Team USM’s participation reflected the university’s commitment to student engagement, health, community involvement and building meaningful connections among people from different backgrounds.
USM congratulates every runner and supporter who contributed to the achievement and proudly represented the university during the St. Maarten’s Day celebrations.
The university encourages USM students, staff, faculty, alumni and members of the wider community to begin preparing and become part of the USM running team for next year’s Around the Island Relay Race.
Together, we will continue Running the Course with USM.
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Competing under the theme “Running the Course,” the University of St. Martin team successfully completed the demanding 11-leg race, which brings runners together from across the island to celebrate teamwork, endurance and community spirit.
The USM team brought together students, alumni, members of the wider community and visiting students from Delft University of Technology. Some participants were experienced athletes, while others accepted the challenge of participating in their first major relay race.
The runners representing Team USM were Robert Gabriëla, Dayshaun Gordon, Flavia Carvalho, Wieger Dop, Syihesha Jermin, Imani Lafleur, Allenson Lafleur, Noortje van Galen, Shayden Philips, Ty Farquharson and Tiego Graanoogst with buddy runners Saudi Gabriëla, Kion Mills, and Michiel Wirjosentono,.
Each runner contributed to the team’s successful completion of the race, with several participants running alongside assigned teammates and supporting different stages of the course.
Myah Heward, Diana Joseph, Noam Werners, Blanca Ebbink and Zamir Narvaez were also valued members of Team USM, providing support and encouragement throughout the event, although they did not compete as runners.
Preparation for the race began several weeks in advance, with team practices held on the Boardwalk and at the Causeway. The early-morning sessions helped participants improve their fitness, understand the demands of the different legs and develop the coordination needed to move runners efficiently around the island.
USM extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Gordon for assisting with the team’s training and helping the runners prepare for the physical demands of the race. His time, guidance and encouragement contributed to the team’s preparation and successful completion of the course.
The 31st-place finish represents more than the team’s final position. It reflects the commitment of individuals who trained, showed up for one another and worked together to ensure that USM completed every stage of the race.
“Giving up is not an option,” said Team Captain and USM Head of Marketing Shobhan Giterson. “We had runners with different levels of experience, but everyone remained committed to completing the course and supporting one another. We are proud of what the team accomplished, and we look forward to competing again next year.”
The participation of visiting TU Delft students also demonstrated how academic partnerships can extend beyond research and the classroom. By joining Team USM, they became part of one of St. Maarten’s longstanding community traditions while continuing to experience and connect with the island.
USM extends its appreciation to Pink Pearl for contributing towards the team’s running shirts and Skanda Fashion for sponsoring hoodies for the runners. Their support helped the team participate proudly and visibly as representatives of the university.
Appreciation is also extended to everyone who assisted with transportation, water, coordination, photography and encouragement along the route. Successfully completing an island-wide relay required support both on and off the road.
Team USM’s participation reflected the university’s commitment to student engagement, health, community involvement and building meaningful connections among people from different backgrounds.
USM congratulates every runner and supporter who contributed to the achievement and proudly represented the university during the St. Maarten’s Day celebrations.
The university encourages USM students, staff, faculty, alumni and members of the wider community to begin preparing and become part of the USM running team for next year’s Around the Island Relay Race.
Together, we will continue Running the Course with USM.
Latest News →
