The Tribune

MARATHON Bahamas has been named one of the best races in the world by a leading specialist magazine.

The marathon, which is in its seventh year, was named in a Runner’s World UK survey entitled the “50 Best Races In The World 2015”.

In the “ultimate globetrotter’s guide”, the magazine reveals the best running events on the planet outside the United Kingdom.

Marathon Bahamas was named second in the list of 50, ahead of the Paris Marathon, the Moscow Marathon, Niagara Falls Marathon and Melbourne Half Marathon among many others taking place across the globe. The scenic and mountainous Eiger Utlra Trail in Switzerland was first on the list.

“This is, as you might imagine, a pretty laid back experience,” the Runner’s World article noted. “Starting at 6am, you’ll get in some decent mileage before the heat gets too oppressive, and as you make your way along the fast, flat course, you’ll enjoy miles of ocean views and gleaming white sands.”

Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend public relations chair Rogan Smith said the article is further proof that Marathon Bahamas is having an impact internationally.

“Runner’s World UK is a big deal, it’s really a ‘Bible’ for many runners, so to be included is indeed an honour,” she said. “We had no idea they were profiling us, so this was definitely a surprise, especially seeing that we’re number 2 and on the cover. Our entire team is so very excited. This honour lets us know that we are on the right track. The fact that we were able to best some of the top marathons around the globe speaks volumes to what we’re doing.

“We’re grateful to our organising committee members, volunteers, board members, sponsors and, of course, all of the incredible participants who come together to make this event amazing. It’s a great inducement to make our 2016 event even better and I can’t wait.”

Marathon Bahamas, which started in 2010, has grown each year and in January, 3,198 participants took part, 2,000 in the Susan G Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure and 1,198 for Marathon Bahamas. The 2015 registration was up from 2014, when 2,529 registrants took part.

The event attracts locals and visitors: in 2015, 675 local participants ran in the marathon (full marathon, half, relay and student relay) while 523 runners from abroad entered the full, half and relay.

For the past two years, the overall winners were husband and wife team Justin and Melissa Gillette, who took the male and female titles.

To register for the 2016 event, will be held on January 17, visit www.marathonbahamas.com.