With the world’s eyes trained on the Summer Olympics in Rio, a group of local businesses is eyeing another sports event closer to home – the Run for Pompey set for Georgetown, Exuma, in October. Today, the Run’s organizers announced that more than a dozen sponsors have stepped up to support the second annual running of the races named in tribute to a slave who became a national hero.
“Once again, we are pleased to welcome our premier sponsors, BAF Financial & Insurance, the Ministry of Tourism, GIV Bahamas, Grand Isle Resort, and for the first time, Open MRI,” said Jeff Todd, Director of Communications for GIV Bahamas Inc. who, along with co-runner and videographer Kevin Taylor of The Bahamas, founded the race held last year for the first time.
“The support of our top sponsors enables us to produce a sports event that is fun for participants, exciting for visitors and locals alike and showcases the beauty of the world-famous waters that serve as the natural backdrop of Exuma. And this year, being only the second time Run for Pompey has ever been held, we have sponsors literally asking to come onboard. That’s really rewarding.”
More than 200 are expected to hit the road and various routes for the Run set for October 8. They’ll have a choice of six options, a 2k ‘George Town Dash’ for youngsters or anyone who wants to take part, a 5k run/walk presented by BAF Financial for cancer research, 10k half marathon for runners 16 and older, 42k marathon for 18 and older and a 50k ultra marathon, also for those 18 and older. The 50k is the only ultra-marathon in The Bahamas. All races are professionally timed.
Golden Girl Olympic gold medalist Pauline Davis-Thompson is event patron for the second year and Grand Isle repeats as host hotel, kicking off the weekend of activities with a pasta party on Friday evening, October 7.
Other sponsors include Sands Truly Bahamian Beer, Caribbean Bottling, supplier of Dansani water, Bahamas Watch Exchange, Catch-a-Fire, Chat ‘n’ Chill, Ty’s Sunset Bar & Grill, BahamasLocal, Diane Phillips & Associates, Sports 4 and SuperClubs Breezes. Several sponsors are offering prizes for participants, including experiences at Breezes, Grand Isle and a $1,200 watch from Bahamas Watch Exchange.
“Timing is everything so we are very glad to have an enthusiastic watch company onboard,” said Todd.
During a recent press conference announcing the event, Deputy Director-General of Tourism Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson noted the link between the race and Heroes Day.
“Pompey is one of our first national heroes, so it’s appropriate that this Run will be held on National Heroes Day,” said Thompson. “Run for Pompey has all the elements of a Tourism winner, opportunities to bring visitors and locals together for a weekend of activities that brings focus to Exuma’s unique history and stunning beauty.”
For further information or to register, check www.runforpompey.com.
By Alexavia Dorsett
Diane Phillips & Associates
