The Tribune

WITH more than 30 of its members registered for the 125th Boston Marathon, Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club is ready to chase the unicorn (official symbol of Boston Marathon).

The Boston Marathon has always been for “qualifying athletes” meaning that participants had to submit their running times (usually under 5 hours) to the organisation and then wait to be selected for admittance to the marathon race. In 2020, all registrants were forced to complete their 26.2-mile run virtually due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

This year, on its 125th anniversary, marathon organisers have opened the race to both in-person (timed qualifiers) and virtual runners.

Anyone willing to train and run 26.2 miles can participate in the Boston Virtual Marathon 2021.

BRRC members and a few other avid Bahamian runners are ready for the challenge, and will ‘kick up the asphalt’ on October 9, 2021. Under the expert guidance of fellow club member, Shavaughn Blades, the club commenced training on May 31.

Blades has 44 full-marathons under her belt and has created a schedule that will propel all runners to their best PRs (personal records). “It’s a combination of running, strength and weight training for 18 weeks,” Blades said. “There is a regular dose of hill running, sprints, tempo and long runs.”

The group also studies nutrition plans and has engaged a sports therapist for on-going physical maintenance.

Marcel “Bop” Major, club president, is excited about Boston.

“Every year the club chooses a full marathon to run internationally. In 2020 all in-person races were either cancelled or limited. Last year we (17 runners) ran New York Virtual Marathon in the midst of lockdowns and curfews.

“When Boston decided to open up virtually, it just made sense to do it. This is historic and we are excited to be part of it,” he said. “The next 18 weeks will be epic.”

The group is comprised of experienced runners to a few with no full-marathon runs.

Emotions are high: nervousness to exhilaration.

“I plan to give it my best try. Right now, I’m following the plan and enjoying the ride and camaraderie,” says two-time marathon finisher Sue Simmons.

“Plus the reward after every run is what we call ‘salt therapy’ in our beautiful waters.”