2024 Run Barbados Edition Launched with Eye on International Competitors and Growth in African Market

The 2024 edition of Run Barbados, which runs from December 6th to 8th, has been officially launched, with organisers noting that it continues to draw strong interest from international competitors.

They have also highlighted Africa as the next market they aim to see growth in over the coming years.

During a brief press briefing at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) headquarters in Warrens on Wednesday, BTMI Director of Marketing, Robert Chase, said that the annual event continues to play a major role in the island’s growing sports tourism industry.

“The Run Barbados Marathon weekend plays a pivotal role in our strategy to boost tourism, during the shoulder tourism season. As the cornerstone of our efforts to maintain steady visitor arrivals throughout the year, we continue to be committed to offering a diverse set of events for travellers of all kinds.

“Sports tourism in particular is essential to achieving this vision. The economic impact of the marathon weekend is significant; from hotel bookings, to restaurant visits, transportation services, and local attractions, this event generates vital revenue for business and the wider economy,” he explained.

He noted that in the 41st edition of the event, it continues to grow from strength to strength, as it is seen as one of the premier sporting events in the region, which still attracts runners from all over the globe.

He insisted that this year will be no different, stating,“This year we are excited to say that top runners from Barbados and the Caribbean will continue to compete for substantial prize money – some cases upwards of $2500 USD for first prize – but whether you are chasing a personal trophy, or whether you are striving for your personal best, Run Barbados offers the opportunity to experience one of the purest forms of exercise,” he said.

International participants are expected to fly in from key source markets, such as from the USA, UK, and Canada.

A key market being closely targeted is Africa, given the high number of long distance runners they produce, and despite the absence of a direct air bridge, organisers are optimistic about future growth and increased participation from that region.

“We have pursued and had participants from the African continent as you are well aware, did very well in our races as you are well aware, but at the same time we have to look at where are the greatest opportunities for growth. When we look at the whole question of pursing the African continent from a market perspective, it is pivotal to us, we are investigating it, we are developing airlift for the African continent as you are aware.

“It is beyond a doubt an opportunity we are pursuing, and we continue to look at gateways which would allow us to get direct flights in from Africa. I think that is the time when we will begin to see larger number of arrivals out of Africa for the marathon.”

Meanwhile, BTMI Sports Manager Kamal Springer, said that the target this year is to see around 1000 participants in the event, with 600 local participants and 400 visiting ones

He also revealed that school children and large groups will receive discounts when signing up.

“For primary schools we are giving 50 per cent discount to primary school children, and for secondary school children we are giving 30 per cent. For groups, 10 to 19 people, 10 per cent discount, for 20 people and up, 15 per cent discount. So we hope people will take advantage of that.”

This year’s event will begin on December 6th with a ‘Fun Mile’ at the Garrison Savannah, with the main events starting on December 7th at Barclays Park St. Andrew with the 10K Race starting at 4:10 pm, 5K Race at 4:15 pm, and 5K Walk at 4:20 pm.

(SB)