Marathon Bahamas, the country's most popular winter running event, renowned for its incredible oceanfront and historical course, has officially launched general registration.
Early-bird registration fees are applicable to all event categories: Marathon, half-marathon and four-person relay. Online and mail-in registration is now available at http://marathonbahamas.com/. In- person registration is available at Sunshine Insurance's offices (East Shirley Street and Baillou Hill Road). To take advantage of the early registration offer, runners must register by June 14, 2015 when the fees increase incrementally.
On January 18, runners and walkers will line the street of Junkanoo Beach for the 6:00 am start of the 6th annual Marathon Bahamas (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and four-person relay (6.2, 6.9, 5.6 and 7.5 miles).
The world-class event is the only marathon in the island nation, and draws a strong international field on a partially shaded and mostly flat course that parallels the northern shoreline.
The event is IAAF-certified and is a Boston qualifier. Participants will be treated to 25 aid stations along the course, entertainment, cheer zones and encouraging spectators as they make their trek to the finish line.
The finish line, for all athletes, is Arawak Cay and those who cross it will receive a commemorative authentic medal before enjoying a post-race celebration that includes entertainment and Junkanoo and photo opportunities.
Authentic awards are for the overall, masters and five-year age groups.
Marathon Bahamas 2014 attracted more than 1100 runners from 18 countries and 19 U.S. states. The annual Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure 5k precedes the marathon on Saturday and celebrates survivorship, remembering those who have not. Proceeds are contributed to research, education and a cure.
"Marathon Bahamas connects runners with the excitement and inspiration that months of training brings to the starting line," says Franklyn Wilson, chairman of Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend. "At the same time, you're running a well-organized event on one of the most scenic oceanfront courses ever."
The named beneficiaries for the weekend of events are: The Cancer Society of The Bahamas; Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Sister Sister Beast Cancer Support Group, Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative and the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. One hundred percent of the proceeds stay within The Bahamas.
In addition to the title sponsor of Sunshine Insurance, the event enjoys ongoing sponsorship from Atlantis, Emera, GU, Gatorade, Sports Center, Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Sports, Bahamas Waste and Bahamas Telecommunications Company, among others.
Marathon Bahamas facts and figures
o More than 600 international athletes attended the 2014 weekend event contributing to more than $2.5 million into the local economy.
o The race does not offer prize money, focusing instead on providing the 'everyman' with the highest quality bang for the buck.
o The race has doubled in attendance during the past five years in spite of recession.
o The race is The Bahamas' only marathon.
o More than $250,000 has been donated to charities from 2010-2013.
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