NASSAU, The Bahamas - Advanced and novice runners, even walkers,
will want to mark their calendars for what is surely one of the most
picturesque courses as the 2016 Marathon Bahamas Race Weekend gears up
with exciting events.
The race courses were designed to showcase many of the focal points
of this amazing destination including quaint and scenic downtown Nassau
with its historic buildings, the glitz and glamour of Paradise Island,
the business districts, a small portion of exciting Cable Beach and the
life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island.
Marathon
The Marathon, held on Sunday, January 17, and starting at 6 am,
features 26.2 miles of history and beautiful scenery loaded with miles
of ocean views. The course is fast and flat, except for two bridges at
Mile 2 and is ideal for those looking to achieve Boston qualifying times
or for anyone seeking a winter running event. The marathon starts at
Junkanoo Beach (west of downtown Nassau) heading east through downtown
Nassau over the western Paradise Island bridge and immediately returning
over the eastern Paradise Island bridge. Route continues east to
Montagu Beach with a westward turn onto Shirley Street all the way to
Cumberland Street north. At Bay Street, the course continues to the
west, hugging the northern shores of Cable Beach, Delaporte and West Bay
Street with the turnaround ¼-mile west of Compass Point returning to
the most eastern entrance to Arawak Cay for an oceanfront finish. The
entry fee is $110 from now to the date of the event.
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon takes place on the same date and starting time as
the Marathon and is designed for those who are looking for something
more pleasurable than arduous. The event starts at Junkanoo Beach (west
of downtown Nassau) heading east thru downtown Nassau over the western
Paradise Island bridge and immediately returning over the eastern
Paradise Island bridge. Route continues east to Montagu Beach with a
westward turn onto Shirley Street all the way to Cumberland Street
north. At Bay Street, the course continues to the west, hugging the
northern shore of Cable Beach with the turnaround being the second
roundabout on the new Cable Beach strip returning to the most eastern
entrance to Arawak Cay for an oceanfront finish. Entry fees are now $100
until the day of the race.
Relay
Also on Sunday, January 17, at 6 am is the Relay. If the thought of
running a marathon or half marathon is a daunting task, then solicit
some friends, family and colleagues to participate in the relay. The
four-person relay is designed to build team spirit, engender camaraderie
and foster positive corporate challenge as well as the obvious –
physical fitness. There is a distance for everyone and school and
corporate teams are encouraged. Teams will run the distance and compete
for overall awards.
5K Walk
People of all ages will enjoy this 5K Walk (3.1 miles) starting at
Montagu Beach and finishing east of the ‘old’ Paradise Island bridge
adjacent to the Police Station. The walk takes place on Saturday,
January 16, at 7am. There will be two water stops on the route with
enthusiastic and encouraging cheerleaders.
“The Marathon Race Weekend is a tremendous opportunity for travelers
to participate in a well-organized activity at whatever their skill, age
or comfort level dictates,” said Greg Rolle, Bahamas Senior Director,
Sales and Marketing ( Americas) and Sports Tourism. “The marathon is one
of a growing number of sporting events that are available here in The
Bahamas.”
For more detailed information about the races and registration, please visit the website.