The Tribune

By DANA SMITH dsmith@tribunemedia.net MARATHON Bahamas 2012 attracted more than a thousand runners, including an increased participation from international marathon runners. Franklyn Wilson, chairman of Sunshine Insurance which is the lead corporate sponsor of the marathon, stated although he doesn't have "exact numbers," the marathon featured around 1400 runners from 20 different countries - a participation increase of about 25 per cent from last year. "I was so encouraged when I heard people who have run marathons all over the world comment so vividly about the marathon," he said. "From the time we started (the marathon), we knew standards must reflect worldwide standards so it's not a gimmick. We're talking to people who run marathons all over the world, so these people know what a marathon is." The increase in participants, Mr Wilson said, is owed to the marathon's "sophisticated marketing team" who travelled internationally to promote the race. "We just promoted more, promoted the marathon and in turn, promoted the Bahamas. This is a point that I think is worthy of note," Mr Wilson said. The race, he explained, helps in promoting the Bahamas to tourists. The marathon's official website offered a more in-depth explanation: "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, exciting Cable Beach and the life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island." Next year, Mr Wilson hopes the marathon "will continue to benefit from prior years' success" as more people "spread the word" and sign up. "We're going further and it's just a wonderful feeling," he said. "But the one thing that gives me the greatest pride, is the race this weekend demonstrated a degree of national unity which doesn't happen often enough. "We do things best when we do things together and it's wonderful feeling to be a part of something where this degree of national unity and cooperation is shown and that is something that is of immense value." Marathon Bahamas offered four events including a 26.2 mile marathon, a "walker friendly" half marathon, a four member team relay, and the 5k S G Komen Race for the Cure. The marathon, half marathon and four person relay all started simultaneously at 6am, yesterday. The Komen race started at 7am, Saturday morning.