Marathon Bahamas Launches 2015 Registration

03/27/2014 04:58:18

Marathon Bahamas, the country’s most popular winter running event and renown for it’s incredible ocean-front 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 Offices (East Shirley Street and Blue 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) and Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and four-person relay (6.2, 6.9, 5.6. 7.5 miles)

The world-class event, which serve as the only marathon in the island nation will continue to draw a strong international field ran on a partially shaded and mostly flat course that parallels the northern shoreline. MB course 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 overall, masters and five-year age groups.

Marathon Bahamas 2014, which celebrated its 5th anniversary, attracted more than 1100 runners from 18 countries and 19 US states. The annual Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure 5k ® precedes the marathon on Saturday and celebrate survivorship, remembering those who have not and proceeds are a contribution 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, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Sister Sister Beast Cancer Support Group, Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative and the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. 100% 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, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sports, Bahamas Waste, BTC amongst others.

MARATHON BAHAMAS FAST FACTS & FIGURES

  • More than 600 international athletes attended the 2014 Weekend event contributing to more than $2.5 million into the local economy.
  • The race does not offer prize money, focusing instead on providing the ‘everyman’ with the highest quality bang for the buck.
  • The race has doubled in attendance during the past five years in spite of recession.
  • The race is The Bahamas’ only marathon.
  • More than $250,000 has been donated to charities from 2010 – 2013.

About Sunshine Insurance

Sunshine Insurance (Agents & Brokers) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings, and local correspondent for MARSH, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor. Its product line includes Auto, Homeowners, Commercial (inclusive of public & employer’s liability, fire, theft and contractor’s all risk and service vehicles), Marine, Medical and Life Insurance.