Marathon running has not been a part of the traditional athletics calendar in recent times as the event has dwindle in The Bahamas leaving cross country to take the burden of distance running.
Marathon running has not been a part of the traditional athletics calendar in recent times as the event has dwindle in The Bahamas leaving cross country to take the burden of distance running.
It was noted on Tuesday during a press conference at Sunshine Insurance Limited and Arawak Homes that the last Marathon held in The Bahamas was in 1985 during the Central American and Caribbean Championships. The next marathon in The Bahamas will be held in February 2010.
Excited about the venture of returning marathon running to The Bahamas and the possibility of an athlete
representing The Bahamas at the World Championships, Chairman of Sunshine Insurance Limited Franklyn Wilson said he is pleased to announce his corporate decision to serve as lead organizer and major sponsor for 'Marathon Bahamas 2010' which will be the first marathon in The Bahamas in the 21st century.
"Marathon Bahamas will bring together runners from around the country, and every effort will be made to encourage participation from people outside of The Bahamas. Marathon Bahamas is conceived to be an annual event, and in an effort to encourage continuity through time and efficiency of execution, a separate non-profit entity has been created," informed Wilson.
With the event to be held on Sunday, February 14th 2010 around the period of the USA Presidents Day Holiday, Wilson believes the event can be a big boost to The Bahamas’ tourism market both domestic and internationally.
"Sunshine Insurance is delighted that leaders from throughout the community have agreed to serve as subscribers to the company formation and or as founding directors. These include from the country's number one industry tourism, Robert 'Sandy' Sands, Ed Fields, and Janet Johnson. From Roadmasters Yolanda Davis, athletics Pauline Davis-Thompson and Alpheus Finlayson, finance Geoff Andrews and medicine Dr. Beverton Moxey and Dr. Charles Sealey," Wilson revealed.
He said they are also pleased to have Frank 'Pancho' Rahming who is nationally recognized as an expert in many aspects of athletics to agree to serve as race director.
Executives from Sunshine Insurance who are also directors of the Marathon Bahamas projext are Brian Moodie, President, Shelly Wilson, Deputy Operations Manager, Keith Bell General Council and Kyron Strachan, Corporate Secretary. Veronica Duncanson will serve as Chief Operations Officer for the annual event.
Proceeds from the event will go to various charities who’s names will be announced at a later date.
According to Wilson the event will feature three segments, including a full marathon, half marathon and a relay marathon for schools, churches, business or families.
Applications will be available beginning Monday, November 2nd 2009 at Sunshine Insurance offices on Shirley Street and Blue Hill Road.
Deveaux is a Marathon runner and will compete on November 1st in the New York City Marathon. He said it is a "great opportunity" to be a part of the organizing committee of Marathon Bahamas.
"Marathon running is all about crowd support and when you look at the various marathons around the world in particular the New York City Marathon, you will see the crowd support and we expect to see the same from Bahamian people," said Deveaux.
With the distance covering 26.2 miles, race director Rahming said it is important that they put on the best event for the best performances.
"We do not want too many dark areas where there are no spectators because when you are running a Marathon and there is no one cheering you on, you will want to stop," said Rahming.
- Austin DWI - New York DWI