Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon Charles Maynard (second from right) poses with sports and Marathon Bahamas stakeholders, showcasing event merchandise, at a press conference on January 20, 2010. The first-ever event will take place on February 14, 2010, and will draw local and international. Pictured from left: Owner and Operator of Island Wear, Royce Huyler; President, Marathon Bahamas and Sunshine Insurance, Brian Moodie; Orlando Albury of Island Wear; Minister Maynard; Lakeisha Knowles of Island Wear and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Archie Nairn. (Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Photo/Eric Rose)

NASSAU Bahamas -- The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture will collaborate with Sunshine Insurance Company and other patrons in staging the first-ever Marathon Bahamas, scheduled in the city of Nassau for Sunday, February 14, 2010.

“Marathon runners from around the world will join with local runners in this historic event,” Minister Maynard said during a press conference announcing the event, Thursday, January 20.

“As Minister with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture, I am particularly pleased that the organizers have designed the event to display the beauty and historic attributes of New Providence,” he added.

The Marathon will be the first marathon in The Bahamas this century and will begin at Montagu Beach at Fort Montagu, which, Minister Maynard said, was built by the British in 1742 to guard the eastern entrance to Nassau Harbour.

“Marathoners will pass other landmarks, such as St Matthew’s Anglican Church – the oldest church building in Nassau – Paradise Island, Cable Beach, Adelaide, as well as the picturesque Arawak Cay, where the race will conclude and runners can take part in a typically Bahamian cultural festival that will include native food, music and dance.”

Minister Maynard said in order to publicize the event the organizers have designated Friday, February 5, 2010, as “T-shirt Day”.

“Members of the public will be asked to wear t-shirts on that day,” Minister Maynard said. “This day was chosen as it is the last official day for registration. My Ministry has organized several cultural events for T-shirt Day to help heighten the awareness and garner the support of the wider public for The Marathon.”

Minister Maynard said there will be a flag raising ceremony in Rawson Square at 6:00 a.m. that morning and there will be food and craft vendors, live entertainment provided by local bands and artists in the square. The event will be aired nationwide by live remote.

“I am, therefore, encouraging all corporate and public offices to join me in promoting Marathon Bahamas 2010 by purchasing t-shirts now and to wear them on February 5,” Minister Maynard said. “To purchase your t-shirts please contact www.marathonbahamasmerchandising.com or telephone Island Wear at 323-2265.