Marathon Details - Run Barbados Marathon Weekend

International Marathons > Barbados > Bridgetown > Run Barbados Marathon Weekend

Run Barbados Marathon Weekend & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Bridgetown, Barbados

December 8, 2024

http://www.visitbarbados.org/run-barbados-marathon-weekend

More Info:	News
Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2019 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Kristina Evelyn
Address:	c/o Island Races/Run Barbados Marathon Weekend No 10 Frere Pilgrim CH Ch
Phone Number:	1-246-437-2121
Fax Number:	1-246-437-0771
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 3.4

Spectators 2.2

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Number of comments: 12 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Karen Samuel from London, England (2/16/2016) "Ooh Dear I suffered a running injury" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 IT WAS VERY WELL ORGANIZED - I was highly impressed. 1. There was a Free Charter bus service to the start of the race 2. Race starts for half marathon and full marathon at 5am 3. It is mostly flat 4. Frequent water station drinks were in plastic cups 5. Bananas and a gel , Powerade drinks were offered in other water station 6. The race was measured in kilometres and not miles 7. A few Toilets enroute 8. The runners were very friendly 9. The scenery was one of the best in the world 10. You received a large chunky medal, technical tee shirt and Flow bag If you have time please try and visit Harrison Cave.
A. C. from Wiltshire, England (2/9/2016) "A fun filled running festival weekend" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have been running in the Barbados series since 2005 having competed in the Marathon 6 times as well as the half Marathon and 10km races. The running weekend is full of fun with lots of race distances to suit all. I now visit the island with my young family who take part in the fun Mile on the Friday night. I picked up my race number and goodie bag a few days before the race at a designated bar on the island which was easy to get to on one of the local buses. The new organizers made a great decision to change the start time to 8pm this year as in the past it has been 10pm which has not been time friendly for my children. It was a fun filled night and a great atmosphere to start the running festival. The children loved running the race and got an amazing medal at the end. There was entertainment on the playing fields for the children and some great food and refreshments that you could purchase especially to refuel or carbo load for the weekend ahead. I raced the Marathon on the Sunday, there was a bus organised to pick up athletes across the island which was easy to catch and got me into Bridgetown where the start of the Marathon and half marathon was. The race is a 5am start, yes early but you are thankful for running in the dark for at least the first hour of the race. The course had changed this year and was a double lap for the marathon runners. The route takes you out along the ocean road towards Holetown and turns around at the 6.5mile mark and you run back into Bridgetown,for the Marathon runners once you come into Bridgetown you turn around and repeat the course which is pretty tough mentally and because the marathon was launched so late this year there wasn't a very big field so this became very lonely at times. The ocean road is a little undulating in places and because of the course there are not many spectators on the course. However the drinks stations were very well supported with lots of enthusiastic marshalls helping you with fluids, energy drinks and gels and because of the nature of the course there were plenty of stations. The Half Marathon race sets off at the same time so I did have some company for the first half. It was a great achievement winning the Female race and I was 3rd overall, there was plenty of spectators at the end of the race giving you a cheer in. If you are a keen runner looking for some winter sun and a fun running festival come and visit this beautiful Island. The people are really friendly and all you want to do is relax. I would say the biggest challenge in racing in Barbados is coping with the heat and humidity so not a PB course but one you will definitely remember! I hope the races continue to grow and get back to what they were in 90's.
C. G. from Bermuda (2/7/2016) "Excellent marathon and race weekend" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you are looking for a marathon that is well organized, in a beautiful location with friendly people, and has engaged and enthusiastic volunteers who care, this is the marathon for you! This was my third Run Barbados Marathon and I can honestly say that the race has been vastly improved and running it was the best running decision I made in 2015 having come off of injury. My experience from start to finish was totally positive, but what was especially heart warming to me out there on the course, was the attitude and enthusiasm of the volunteers. I have always praised the volunteers on the previous races, but this year something seemed different - they were absolutely fantastic and I cant remember running any race before where I felt the volunteers were so engaged! The spectators were also very encouraging. There were plenty of water stops with powerade and ice so the organizers were well prepared for the heat and humidity. Another great point was the early start for the marathon (5am) to avoid the heat and also make good use of the road with minimum impact to traffic. I also liked the fact that the 10K and the Fun Mile were evening races with lots of crowd support. Overall this was an excellent race weekend of events and I would strongly recommend making this your destination marathon as there is plenty to do and see on the island for all ages. It was evident that the organizers definitely put in a lot of work to make this a success and they are to be commended on doing an excellent job. The medals were the icing on the cake absolutely beautiful and of great quality! They were some of the best I've seen and I have 25 marathon medals and 1 ultra medal under my belt. Definitely worth the trip a third time!
Sarah McLoughlin from Wales (9/12/2015) "Although small, a fantastic event & well organised" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This will be my 18th year I have taken part in the Run Barbados series and would strongly recommend the race to all runners & their families - there is something for everyone. Organisation has improved tremendously over the years. An extremely friendly island, beaches are out of this world. Best in the Caribbean.
B. J. from Calgary (10/20/2010) "Country great, race poor" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 We were part of a Joints in Motion group from Canada, and were only in the country for 4 days. It was the most poorly organized race we've ever run and it seemed that nothing was as we expected: A late start, no PowerAde, no toilets and little directional support. This race was a dissaster and it's amazing that they get anyone outside of islanders to attend. Not by any means up to what North Americans would expect from a race.
C. G. from Bermuda (1/24/2010) "Definitely worth the trip!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Loved the 4.30 a.m. start! This is a race for those who truly love running. Do not expect a PR, but go with an open mind to have FUN!! The race volunteers were excellent and so were the spectators... loved the steel band music along the route. It was tough and lonely in patches, especially running along the Spring Garden Highway, but the reward at the finish line was worth it: the beach! Oh, the wonderful beach at the end is worth every step of the run. I definitely recommend this marathon as part of your vacation get away to Barbados. This was my second time doing this marathon as a Barbadian living abroad and kudos to the organizers for the improvements. However, I would have personally liked to see some PowerAde on the course and not just at the finish!
K. S. from Canada (6/12/2009) "Bring your own sports drink/food or you'll bonk!" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 My husband and I LOVE Barbados.The island is beautiful and we had high hopes for the marathon. The race kit pick-up was a little confusing despite a field of under 150. With the early start, I underestimated the heat/humidity. Although the water stations were plentiful, there were no sports drinks or refreshment ANYWHERE along the course. Thank you to the great volunteers at the stations - sorry for begging for food! I felt drained by about 25K. I didn't find the course itself particularly challenging - just the heat. You could see the ocean at some points but you're not super close - except at the end, where you could jump in the ocean about 30 feet from the finish line! That was nice! We then spent another 5 days in a rental house, which was wonderful. Will we do the marathon again? Nope - it was too hot. Will I go to Barbados again? Absolutely!!
S. B. from England (4/3/2008) "Not big, but worth the trip to the island." (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The registration organization wasn't great at all as they weren't ready at the stated time, and then had to wait quite some time for the few of us that were waiting to pick up our numbers. Timing chips were handed out on the day, which was strange, but that went smoothly enough. The 5 a.m. start was the earliest time I've run at and the temperature then was ideal, but it rose to about 29C by the time I had finished. The course itself was flat for the most part, an out-and-back route with few supporters, but those that were out smiled and cheered us on, and the "water boys" did a great job, and had plenty of smiles too. If I was there, I'd do it again, but I wouldn't go out of my way, although Barbados is a great place to visit and definitely worth going to.
P. M. from Regina, Saskatchewan (1/5/2004) "Beautiful but difficult " (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The race in 2003 was extremely hot, and not for slow folks like me. You need to finish this one quickly. There are no refreshments other than water, and you will likely run it alone as the small field of runners spreads out. The spectators early in the race were wonderful, as people lined their porches at dawn to cheer, but the last part of the race went through a crowded commercial area on a narrow street, and I had people shouting at me to 'get my .... off the road'. There was only one short steep hill, but miles of slow gradient incline. Shoreline vistas were stunningly beautiful, and the rural areas were very interesting and distracting. I was disappointed to find the finish line all but shut down, no medals, and while I went to the medical tent to get water the last transport bus left without me - but that was because I was slow. On the positive - wonderful runners, new friends, and great awards banquet.
C. G. from Bermuda (4/21/2003) "Could be done a little better" (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I ran this race for the first time and it was my worst marathon to date. I have done 7 marathons and I am in no way an authority on how these races should be organized, but for such a small marathon (less than 100 people participated), I think the organizers could have at least provided the runners with refreshments along the route. Every other marathon I have run has done this (and I've done Marine Corps twice, Atlanta, Bermuda twice & Paris.) Only water was offered along the course! A sports drink or a piece of fruit would have been greatly appreciated by many a marathoner in that heat. Inspite of the early morning start, it was extremely hot and humid. However, I enjoyed the course, especially running along the Silver Sands area. The volunteers at the water stops were wonderful, and the few spectators that did come out were great especially in the St. Philip area (countryside). Thank you. The awards ceremony was a bit too long and drawn out mainly because of the dinner which had to be served and eaten first. Inspite of the heat and my own personal disappointment, I would do this race again and would definitely recommend it if you don't mind running a lonely marathon in Beautiful, sunny, Barbados - my homeland.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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Karen Samuel from London, England (2/16/2016) "Ooh Dear I suffered a running injury" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 IT WAS VERY WELL ORGANIZED - I was highly impressed. 1. There was a Free Charter bus service to the start of the race 2. Race starts for half marathon and full marathon at 5am 3. It is mostly flat 4. Frequent water station drinks were in plastic cups 5. Bananas and a gel , Powerade drinks were offered in other water station 6. The race was measured in kilometres and not miles 7. A few Toilets enroute 8. The runners were very friendly 9. The scenery was one of the best in the world 10. You received a large chunky medal, technical tee shirt and Flow bag If you have time please try and visit Harrison Cave.
A. C. from Wiltshire, England (2/9/2016) "A fun filled running festival weekend" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have been running in the Barbados series since 2005 having competed in the Marathon 6 times as well as the half Marathon and 10km races. The running weekend is full of fun with lots of race distances to suit all. I now visit the island with my young family who take part in the fun Mile on the Friday night. I picked up my race number and goodie bag a few days before the race at a designated bar on the island which was easy to get to on one of the local buses. The new organizers made a great decision to change the start time to 8pm this year as in the past it has been 10pm which has not been time friendly for my children. It was a fun filled night and a great atmosphere to start the running festival. The children loved running the race and got an amazing medal at the end. There was entertainment on the playing fields for the children and some great food and refreshments that you could purchase especially to refuel or carbo load for the weekend ahead. I raced the Marathon on the Sunday, there was a bus organised to pick up athletes across the island which was easy to catch and got me into Bridgetown where the start of the Marathon and half marathon was. The race is a 5am start, yes early but you are thankful for running in the dark for at least the first hour of the race. The course had changed this year and was a double lap for the marathon runners. The route takes you out along the ocean road towards Holetown and turns around at the 6.5mile mark and you run back into Bridgetown,for the Marathon runners once you come into Bridgetown you turn around and repeat the course which is pretty tough mentally and because the marathon was launched so late this year there wasn't a very big field so this became very lonely at times. The ocean road is a little undulating in places and because of the course there are not many spectators on the course. However the drinks stations were very well supported with lots of enthusiastic marshalls helping you with fluids, energy drinks and gels and because of the nature of the course there were plenty of stations. The Half Marathon race sets off at the same time so I did have some company for the first half. It was a great achievement winning the Female race and I was 3rd overall, there was plenty of spectators at the end of the race giving you a cheer in. If you are a keen runner looking for some winter sun and a fun running festival come and visit this beautiful Island. The people are really friendly and all you want to do is relax. I would say the biggest challenge in racing in Barbados is coping with the heat and humidity so not a PB course but one you will definitely remember! I hope the races continue to grow and get back to what they were in 90's.
C. G. from Bermuda (2/7/2016) "Excellent marathon and race weekend" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 If you are looking for a marathon that is well organized, in a beautiful location with friendly people, and has engaged and enthusiastic volunteers who care, this is the marathon for you! This was my third Run Barbados Marathon and I can honestly say that the race has been vastly improved and running it was the best running decision I made in 2015 having come off of injury. My experience from start to finish was totally positive, but what was especially heart warming to me out there on the course, was the attitude and enthusiasm of the volunteers. I have always praised the volunteers on the previous races, but this year something seemed different - they were absolutely fantastic and I cant remember running any race before where I felt the volunteers were so engaged! The spectators were also very encouraging. There were plenty of water stops with powerade and ice so the organizers were well prepared for the heat and humidity. Another great point was the early start for the marathon (5am) to avoid the heat and also make good use of the road with minimum impact to traffic. I also liked the fact that the 10K and the Fun Mile were evening races with lots of crowd support. Overall this was an excellent race weekend of events and I would strongly recommend making this your destination marathon as there is plenty to do and see on the island for all ages. It was evident that the organizers definitely put in a lot of work to make this a success and they are to be commended on doing an excellent job. The medals were the icing on the cake absolutely beautiful and of great quality! They were some of the best I've seen and I have 25 marathon medals and 1 ultra medal under my belt. Definitely worth the trip a third time!
Sarah McLoughlin from Wales (9/12/2015) "Although small, a fantastic event & well organised" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Run Barbados Marathon Weekends COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This will be my 18th year I have taken part in the Run Barbados series and would strongly recommend the race to all runners & their families - there is something for everyone. Organisation has improved tremendously over the years. An extremely friendly island, beaches are out of this world. Best in the Caribbean.
B. J. from Calgary (10/20/2010) "Country great, race poor" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 We were part of a Joints in Motion group from Canada, and were only in the country for 4 days. It was the most poorly organized race we've ever run and it seemed that nothing was as we expected: A late start, no PowerAde, no toilets and little directional support. This race was a dissaster and it's amazing that they get anyone outside of islanders to attend. Not by any means up to what North Americans would expect from a race.
C. G. from Bermuda (1/24/2010) "Definitely worth the trip!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Loved the 4.30 a.m. start! This is a race for those who truly love running. Do not expect a PR, but go with an open mind to have FUN!! The race volunteers were excellent and so were the spectators... loved the steel band music along the route. It was tough and lonely in patches, especially running along the Spring Garden Highway, but the reward at the finish line was worth it: the beach! Oh, the wonderful beach at the end is worth every step of the run. I definitely recommend this marathon as part of your vacation get away to Barbados. This was my second time doing this marathon as a Barbadian living abroad and kudos to the organizers for the improvements. However, I would have personally liked to see some PowerAde on the course and not just at the finish!
K. S. from Canada (6/12/2009) "Bring your own sports drink/food or you'll bonk!" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 My husband and I LOVE Barbados.The island is beautiful and we had high hopes for the marathon. The race kit pick-up was a little confusing despite a field of under 150. With the early start, I underestimated the heat/humidity. Although the water stations were plentiful, there were no sports drinks or refreshment ANYWHERE along the course. Thank you to the great volunteers at the stations - sorry for begging for food! I felt drained by about 25K. I didn't find the course itself particularly challenging - just the heat. You could see the ocean at some points but you're not super close - except at the end, where you could jump in the ocean about 30 feet from the finish line! That was nice! We then spent another 5 days in a rental house, which was wonderful. Will we do the marathon again? Nope - it was too hot. Will I go to Barbados again? Absolutely!!
S. B. from England (4/3/2008) "Not big, but worth the trip to the island." (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Run Barbados Marathon Weekend COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The registration organization wasn't great at all as they weren't ready at the stated time, and then had to wait quite some time for the few of us that were waiting to pick up our numbers. Timing chips were handed out on the day, which was strange, but that went smoothly enough. The 5 a.m. start was the earliest time I've run at and the temperature then was ideal, but it rose to about 29C by the time I had finished. The course itself was flat for the most part, an out-and-back route with few supporters, but those that were out smiled and cheered us on, and the "water boys" did a great job, and had plenty of smiles too. If I was there, I'd do it again, but I wouldn't go out of my way, although Barbados is a great place to visit and definitely worth going to.
P. M. from Regina, Saskatchewan (1/5/2004) "Beautiful but difficult " (about: 2003) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 The race in 2003 was extremely hot, and not for slow folks like me. You need to finish this one quickly. There are no refreshments other than water, and you will likely run it alone as the small field of runners spreads out. The spectators early in the race were wonderful, as people lined their porches at dawn to cheer, but the last part of the race went through a crowded commercial area on a narrow street, and I had people shouting at me to 'get my .... off the road'. There was only one short steep hill, but miles of slow gradient incline. Shoreline vistas were stunningly beautiful, and the rural areas were very interesting and distracting. I was disappointed to find the finish line all but shut down, no medals, and while I went to the medical tent to get water the last transport bus left without me - but that was because I was slow. On the positive - wonderful runners, new friends, and great awards banquet.
C. G. from Bermuda (4/21/2003) "Could be done a little better" (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I ran this race for the first time and it was my worst marathon to date. I have done 7 marathons and I am in no way an authority on how these races should be organized, but for such a small marathon (less than 100 people participated), I think the organizers could have at least provided the runners with refreshments along the route. Every other marathon I have run has done this (and I've done Marine Corps twice, Atlanta, Bermuda twice & Paris.) Only water was offered along the course! A sports drink or a piece of fruit would have been greatly appreciated by many a marathoner in that heat. Inspite of the early morning start, it was extremely hot and humid. However, I enjoyed the course, especially running along the Silver Sands area. The volunteers at the water stops were wonderful, and the few spectators that did come out were great especially in the St. Philip area (countryside). Thank you. The awards ceremony was a bit too long and drawn out mainly because of the dinner which had to be served and eaten first. Inspite of the heat and my own personal disappointment, I would do this race again and would definitely recommend it if you don't mind running a lonely marathon in Beautiful, sunny, Barbados - my homeland.

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Marathon Details - Run Barbados Marathon Weekend