The Tribune

SCOTIABANK has again joined forces with Marathon Bahamas as a corporate partner for the 5th Annual Marathon Bahamas event. As a gold partner, Scotiabank has contributed financially and in-kind to support this event which directly benefits the fight against cancer in the Bahamas.

The event-filled weekend is scheduled for January 18-19.

“We are again excited to be the lead partners for the Scotiabank Bright Future Students Run Marathon Bahamas,” said Leah Davis, senior manager of products, marketing and public relations at Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited.

“This initiative aligns well with the Bright Future programme which supports opportunities to give back to the young people in our community through a number of platforms, of which health and wellness and sports are two significant priorities.”

Marathon Bahamas allows Scotiabank to give back to the health of our community and the economy through supporting this significant driver of sports tourism.

Through a partnership with Susan G Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organisation, the Marathon Bahamas weekend will again include the Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure 5K scheduled for Saturday, startng at 6am from Fort Montagu and ending on Paradise Island.

All funds raised from the Race for the Cure as part of the Marathon Bahamas 2014 weekend will benefit the fight against breast cancer programmes in The Bahamas.

“The fight against cancer in The Bahamas is a priority for Scotiabank and Marathon Bahamas is a very significant community initiative for us that we are proud to be associated with. We are excited to have Team Scotia participating in Saturday’s Race for the Cure. Our employees are thrilled about joining such a worthy cause.”

The Scotiabank sponsored Bright Future Students Run Marathon will be a part of Sunday’s festivities that start at 6am from the Junkanoo Beach Hotel on West Bay Street an end up at Arawak Cay.

So far, more than 20 schools, both public and private, have signed up to compete in the event, which is designed for relay competition.

In addition, more than 1,150 runners will pound the pavement at the 2014 Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend beginning on January 18.

RBC ON BOARD

RBC has renewed its support of the event for the 4th consecutive year. Marathon Bahamas, as it is affectionately known by running enthusiasts around the world, includes events for persons of varying abilities and fitness levels.

In addition to the marathon and half marathon, Marathon Bahamas includes a four-person relay with distances ranging from 5.7 miles to 7.5 miles and the Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure� 5K.

The Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend has become an increasingly popular event for both local and international runners. Marathon Bahamas hosts close to 500 international runners, has contributed $260,000 to the fight against cancer and continues to draw both participants and spectators from every walk of life.

Joining in the race this year will be more than 100 RBC employees. Mr Nathaniel Beneby, managing director at RBC Royal Bank, expressed his pleasure that so many RBC employees are taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in Race Weekend at cost fully subsidised by RBC.

“RBC is delighted that so many of our employees have accepted the Marathon Bahamas challenge.” He continued: - “RBC is proud to once again support The Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend. The event is a wonderful opportunity to get fit, have fun and support a worthwhile cause.”

RBC is committed to raising awareness about breast cancer and to supporting cancer research and education not only through supporting external initiatives such as Marathon Bahamas, but also through the RBC/RBTT Caribbean Children’s Cancer Fund. The Fund was established five years ago to assist young persons throughout the Caribbean who have been diagnosed with cancer.

VITAMALT LIGHT

And this year marks the second year that Vitamalt has partnered with Race Weekend and Susan G Komen Bahamas as the official malt beverage.

While last year participants enjoyed ice cold Vitamalt Classic, this year will see the introduction of the new Vitamalt Light at Saturday and Sunday events.

Launched last year, Vitamalt Light is a great replenishment rich in B Vitamins and 50 per cent less calories. As a silver sponsor of Race Weekend, Vitamalt and Vitamalt Light will provide runners with a much needed energy boost immediately after the races.

Vitamalt brand manager Stacy Mackey noted that Race Weekend has become synonymous with fitness and is an anticipated event among the race community.

“We are delighted to partner with an event that is well organised and that sees a combination of individual and group participants. This is truly a coming together of good, energetic and wholesome fun for a worthy cause.”

Janet Cartwright-Serrette of Sunshine Insurance acknowledged that they are happy Vitamalt has agreed to sponsor Race Weekend for the second year in a row.

“We always like when a sponsor returns to partner with us again. This year the number of entrants has increased and for us this is a good sign that we are and continue to move in the right direction.”

Mrs Cartwright-Serrette noted that persons wishing to participate in Sunday’s Marathon who have not yet signed up may do so at the Expo at the Wyndham on January 18 from 3-7pm.

This year’s event features runners from 22 countries and is supported by a large volunteer contingent from every walk of Bahamian life. Beneficiaries for the events are:

The Cancer Society of The Bahamas, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, The Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative and the Cancer Association of Grand Bahama.