The prestigious Run Barbados Marathon Weekend will be celebrating 40 years with the return of the Fun Mile.
Run Barbados is the largest marathon in the Caribbean and will take place from December 8th-10th. Labelled as the marathon weekend of activities, the race weekend will make its return to the scenic East Coast.
However, the Fun Mile will be held at the historic Garrison Savannah on December 8th, kicking off the festivities.
A Blend of Fitness and Fun
Though this 40th edition will be filled with more fun, entertainment and culture, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) plans to deliver a high-quality event for athletes around the globe. The event attracts thousands of athletes and sports enthusiasts from the USA, Canada, Europe and across the Caribbean.
“Apart from being the largest in the Caribbean, the marathon continues to attract international participants. Through targeted campaigns and initiatives in each of the BTMI’s source markets, we are raising of the race and displaying our sporting tourism product,” stated Corey Garrett, Director of Caribbean and Latin America, Sports at BTMI.
He added that the goal is to continuously develop the marathon and raise the profile of the event.
Three Days of Festivities
With its array of races, the marathon caters to every skill level and ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With the return of the Fun Mile, Run Barbados is possibly the only three-day running festival in the world.
In 2019, the Fun Mile attracted approximately 1000 participants and is usually the most participated event of the marathon weekend. This year, the race will be split into five different segments featuring the fun category where participants can dress in costumes, run with friends and colleagues and have an enjoyable evening. Aside from the race event, there will be opening parties, entertainment and cultural activities.
The more competitive events will begin on December 9th on the east coast. 2022 was the first time the marathon was held on the east coast, which featured a more scenic route. Each race was named after landmarks on their respective routes and this year each will redeem their iconic titles.
The races for the 2023 edition are as followed:
- The Garrison Savannah Fun Mile
- Casuarina 3K
- Sleeping Giant 5K
- Joe’s River 5K Walk
- Sand Dunes 10K
- Farley Hill Half Marathon & Marathon
The 40th edition promises to be a memorable experience and all are invited to participate.
Registration is open so visit runbarbados.org for more information.
About Run Barbados
Run Barbados is the largest marathon in the Caribbean. The prestigious Run Barbados Marathon has evolved into one of Barbados’ premier sporting activities on the island known for its festive atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie. The Run Barbados unique route takes participants on a scenic journey through some of Barbados’ most historical landmarks. The choice of races around the world is endless but the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend has distinguishing characteristics that can provide the experience of a lifetime. The friendly local culture, the sheer beauty of the island and the marathon’s course that is both scenic and historic.
About Barbados
The island of Barbados is a Caribbean gem rich in cultural, heritage, sporting, culinary and eco experiences. It is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and is the only coral island in the Caribbean. With over 400 restaurants and eateries, Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The island is also known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the finest blends since the 1700s. In fact, many can experience the island’s historic rums at the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The island also hosts events like the annual Crop Over Festival, where A-lists celebrities like our very own Rihanna are often spotted, and the annual Run Barbados Marathon, the largest marathon in the Caribbean. As the motorsport island, it is home to the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Known as a sustainable destination, Barbados was named one of the world’s Top Nature Destinations in 2022 by the Traveler’s Choice Awards’ and in 2023 won the Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate And in 2021, the island won seven Travvy awards. Accommodations on the island are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque private villas to quaint boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, prestigious international chains and award-winning five-diamond resorts. Travelling to this paradise is a breeze as the Grantley Adams International Airport offers a variety non-stop and direct services from growing U.S, U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways. Arriving by ship is also easy as Barbados is a marquee port with calls from the world’s best cruise and luxury liners. So, it’s about time that you Visit Barbados and experience all that this 166-square-mile isle has to offer.
For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, and via Twitter @Barbados.