NASSAU, Bahamas -- Marathon runners, we see them all the time jogging for miles around the main city streets of Nassau.  Although we identify them as joggers, however, many of them are marathon runners preparing themselves to participate in many of the Caribbean and international marathon races. 

Marathon races are not a common sight in The Bahamas, in fact many of us are not even aware of there ever being a major marathon race in the Bahamas, when in actual fact there has been – but not for more than twenty five (25) years now. The last Marathon held in The Bahamas was in 1985 during the Central American and Caribbean Championships.  This is an exciting time for the Bahamas!

According to the organizers, Marathon Bahamas will be the first marathon of The Bahamas in the 21st century, and will bring together runners and walkers from around the world, including club runners, national standard runners, tourist runners, charity runners, and elite runners. 

Proceeds from Marathon Bahamas will benefit the Cancer Society and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Presently over one hundred participants have already registered from across the globe.  To coordinate an event of this calibre and magnitude, the Board of Directors for Marathon Bahamas and its major sponsor, Sunshine Insurance, called on corporate partners to assist.  

Community citizen Doctors Hospital recently presented Marathon Bahamas with a $2,500 cheque to assist with organizational expenses.  In addition, as the leading healthcare provider in the country, Doctors Hospital will also be responsible for the core medical team for Marathon Bahamas, under the leadership of Dr. Beverton Moxey, consultant physician at Doctors Hospital, providing medical teams, ambulances, and medical supplies, assisting with first aid care along the race route as well as supplying medical volunteers from the hospital.

The marathon is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and will be an official Boston marathon qualifier, not to mention the most beautiful route any runner could ask for.  Applications are available at Sunshine Insurance offices on Shirley Street and Blue Hill Road, or for more information visit www.marathonbahamas.com.

Photo: Community citizen Doctors Hospital recently presented Marathon Bahamas with a $2,500 cheque to assist with organizational expenses - Pictured L-R: Lisa Humes, Marketing Assistant, Doctors Hospital; Kishon Turner, Coordinator, Emergency Transport Services, Doctors Hospital; Charles Sealy, CEO, Doctors Hospital; Brian Moodie, President, Sunshine Insurance; Dr, Beverton Moxey, Director, Marathon Bahamas Medical Team; Michele Rassin, VP Operations, Doctors Hospital.