Run Barbados to benefit tourism industry
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| Published on Monday, November 26, 2007 |
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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: The time is fast approaching for the 2007 Run Barbados Series, which takes place from November 30 - December 2, and the Barbados Tourism Authority is confident that there will be valuable spin-offs for the local tourism industry.
This word coming from Sports Tourism Manager at the BTA, Gregory Armstrong who said, “A number of the elite athletes are bringing their families and friends and staying for longer periods, whether by arriving earlier than usual, or staying on for a couple days after the race to see and experience the local tourism product.”
Several athletes, including a large Kenyan contingent, are expected to stay in the environs of St Lawrence Gap and therefore are likely to consume a variety of services in that area.
Among the elite athletes slated to compete in the Nature Valley 10K, the Scotiabank iN Fo’ Life Half Marathon and the Run Barbados Marathon are Tatyana Chuklah of Russia, the reigning female finisher in the 10K and St Lucian long distance runners Victor Ledger and Zepherinus Joseph, who copped last year’s marathon and half marathon titles.
All the races in the Run Barbados Series are approved annually by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. That gives local and international competitors a chance to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing 2008.
In addition, several hundreds of Barbadians and visitors alike are expected to convene for the newest event, The Gap/Powerade Midnight Fun Mile, which will assist the Barbados Cancer Society in raising funds towards its transportation for cancer patients to and from the hospital.
Armstrong concluded, “These types of innovations will continue to be developed for the Run Barbados as the BTA continues the process of reengineering the Series ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Run Barbados in 2008.” | | | | Reads : 429 | | | |
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