Marathon Bahamas, Half Marathon & Relay
Held on the idyllic island of the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau, which is immersed in history, natural charm, beauty, white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters and hospitable and welcoming residents, Marathon Bahamas has become the pre-eminent endurance event of the country.
The event features runners from 19 countries and 31 states and is supported by a large volunteer contingent from every walk of Bahamian life.
Marathon
Our Marathon features 26.2 miles of history, beauty, scenery and loaded with miles of ocean views. The fast, flat course (except for two bridges at mile 2) is ideal for those looking to achieve Boston qualifying times. If you’re searching for the ideal international winter running event with close proximity to the US, an ocean front start and finish, affordable accommodations and an incredible family vacation destination, Marathon Bahamas is for you!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The race course was designed to showcase many of the focal points of this amazing destination including quaint and scenic downtown Nassau with it’s historic buildings, the glitz and glamour of Paradise Island, the business districts, exciting Cable Beach and the life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island.
The marathon starts at Junkanoo Beach (west of downtown Nassau) heading east through downtown Nassau over the western Paradise Island bridge and immediately returning over the eastern Paradise Island bridge. Route continues east to Montagu Beach with a westward turn onto Shirley Street all the way to Cumberland Street north. At Bay Street, the course continues to the west, hugging the northern shores of Cable Beach, Delaporte and West Bay Street with the turnaround ¼-mile west of Compass Point returning to the most eastern entrance to Arawak Cay for an oceanfront finish.
PARKING
There is ample complimentary parking available in the Ft. Charlotte area (opposite finish line) and on the side streets in the area. Marathon Bahamas strongly recommend that you arrive no later than 5:00 am to find parking as there may be some congestion in the area.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
On Marathon Day, Sunday, January 20, special traffic controls will be in place from Junkanoo Beach to Paradise Island to Montagu Beach thru Shirley Street to West Bay Street from 5:00 am – 12:30 pm. The streets (downtown – Shirley Street) will be opened on a gradual basis. West Bay Street through Compass Point will remain closed until the last participant has cleared the area. During the road closure, only authorized vehicles will be allowed on the route at the discretion of the traffic police. Traffic rules will be rigorously enforced to keep the event safe for all participants. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel on race morning.
WEATHER
The average weather in January is absolutely stunning with lows in the 60s (mornings) rising to the mid-70s (afternoon). The humidity averages out to 64%, with the sunrise at 6:53 am EST.
AID STATIONS
Water and replacement supplements will be available every mile along the course starting at mile two.
GU energy gel will be offered at miles 16 and 22.
Marathon Bahamas’s Official Medical Team, Doctor’s Hospital, will be at the main medical tent positioned at the finish line. Medical stations will also be positioned along the race course should you need assistance during the race.
Authorized cyclists will be on the course monitoring participants who may require medical attention. Should attention be required, the cyclists will notify the medical team.
COURSE HOURS
The Marathon is a competitive road racing event. Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.
There will be a 6-hour time limit on the course for the marathon. After the 12:00 pm cut-off period, if you are on the course, you will be asked to move to the pavement should you desire to complete the event. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Every participant must be in adequate health and sufficiently trained to partake in this race. Consult your physician before beginning any endurance-training regimen.
GEAR CHECK
Need a place to put your dry clothes or car keys? Simply drop your items in the race bag you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo (or your personal bag) and drop your bag at the complimentary Gear Check area near the start line. We recommend that you DO NOT check your wallets or any other valuables into a Gear Check bag.
*Make sure to fill out and attach your Gear Check stub located on your race bib.
Gear Check will close at 1:30 pm. All unclaimed gear will be donated to a local charity.
SHUTTLE SERVICE (Drop-off and Pick-up at Nassau and Bay Street)
Cable Beach (Sandals, Melia, BahaMar)
One way (pp): $7.00
Round-trip (pp): $13.00
Paradise Island (Atlantis Coral Towers)
One way (pp): $8.00
Round-trip (pp): $15.00
Above fees are subject to 12% VAT
Transfer arrangements are made at the expo, January 19, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
POST RACE
Once you cross the finish line you will receive cold bottled water, your finisher’s medal, go through the Runner’s Food Line for a variety of food selections and pick up your personal belongings from Baggage Drop-Off prior to enjoying the morning at the beach.
The Medical Tent is conveniently located at the end of the finish line.
Arawak Cay offers a great venue for all participants to reunite with family and friends, enjoy food, music, vendor displays and cheer other Marathon participants.
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon has quickly risen in popularity over the past few years. The flat course (with the exception of two bridges at mile 2) is ideal for all types of runners. Many participants have achieved their PRs at this event. For those beginning a new way of life in Health & Fitness, this is the perfect picturesque course for you to enjoy your run. This event is Walker Friendly. If you’re from out of town and searching for that Ideal Family Winter Destination running event, Marathon Bahamas’ Half Marathon is for you!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The race courses were designed to showcase many of the focal points of this amazing destination including quaint and scenic downtown Nassau with it’s historic buildings, the glitz and glamour of Paradise Island, the business districts, a small portion of exciting Cable Beach and the life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island.
The event starts at Junkanoo Beach (west of downtown Nassau) heading east thru downtown Nassau over the western Paradise Island bridge and immediately returning over the eastern Paradise Island bridge. Route continues east to Montagu Beach with an westward turn onto Shirley Street all the way to Cumberland Street north. At Bay Street, the course continues to the west, hugging the northern shore of Cable Beach with the turnaround being the second roundabout on the new Cable Beach strip returning to the most eastern entrance to Arawak Cay for an oceanfront finish.
PARKING
There is ample complimentary parking available in the Ft. Charlotte area (opposite finish line) and on the side streets in the area. Marathon Bahamas strongly recommend that you arrive no later than 5:00 am to find parking as there may be some congestion in the area.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
On Marathon Day, Sunday, January 20, special traffic controls will be in place from Junkanoo Beach to Paradise Island to Montagu Beach through Shirley Street to West Bay Street from 5:00 am – 12:30 pm. The streets (downtown – Shirley Street) will be opened on a gradual basis. West Bay Street through Compass Point will remain closed until the last participant has cleared the area. During the road closure, only authorized vehicles will be allowed on the route at the discretion of the traffic police. Traffic rules will be rigorously enforced to keep the event safe for all participants. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel on race morning.
WEATHER
The average weather in January is absolutely stunning with lows in the 60s (mornings) rising to the mid-70s (afternoon). The humidity averages out to 64%, with the sunrise at 6:53 am Eastern Standard Time.
AID STATIONS
Water and replacement supplements will be available every mile, along the course, starting at mile two.
GU energy gel will be offered at mile 10.
Marathon Bahamas’s Official Medical Team, Doctor’s Hospital, will be at the main medical tent positioned at the finish line. Medical stations will also be positioned along the race course if you should need assistance during the race.
Authorized cyclists will be on the course monitoring participants who may require medical attention. Should attention be required, the cyclists will notify the medical team.
COURSE HOURS
The Half Marathon is a competitive road racing event. Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.
There will be a 6-hour time limit on the course for the event; however, all participants must complete the first 6 miles within a 1.5 hour period. After the 12:00 pm cut-off period, if you are on the course, you will be asked to move to the pavement should you desire to complete the event. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Every participant must be in adequate health and sufficiently trained to partake in this race. Consult your physician before beginning any endurance-training regimen.
GEAR CHECK
Need a place to put your dry clothes or car keys? Simply drop your items in the race bag you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo (or your own personal bag) and drop your bag at the complimentary Gear Check area near the start line.
We recommend that you DO NOT check your wallets or any other valuables into a Gear Check bag.
*Make sure to fill out and attach your Gear Check stub located on your race bib.
Gear Check will close at 1:30 pm. All unclaimed gear will be donated to a local charity.
SHUTTLE SERVICE (Drop-off and Pick-up at Nassau and Bay Street)
Cable Beach (Sandals, Melia, BahaMar)
One way (pp): $7.00
Round-trip (pp): $13.00
Paradise Island (Atlantis Coral Towers)
One way (pp): $8.00
Round-trip (pp): $15.00
Above fees are subject to 12% VAT
Transfer arrangements are made at the expo, January 19, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
POST RACE
Once you cross the finish line you will receive cold bottled water, your finishers medal, go through the Runner’s Food Line for a variety of food selections and pick up your personal belongings from Baggage Drop-Off prior to enjoying your morning at the beach. The Medical Tent is conveniently located at the end of the finish line. Arawak Cay offers a great venue for all participants to reunite with family and friends, enjoy food, music, vendor displays and cheer other Marathon participants.
Relay
If the thought of running a marathon or half marathon is a daunting task, then solicit some friends, family and colleagues to participate in the relay. The four-person relay is designed to build team spirit, engender camaraderie and foster positive corporate challenge as well as the obvious – physical fitness. There is a distance for everyone and school and corporate teams are encouraged. Teams will run the marathon distance and compete for overall awards.
TEAMS DIVISIONS (must be identified at the time of registering – NO CHANGES)
Overall Male/Female
Mixed (2 males/2 females)
Students
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The race course was designed to showcase many of the focal points of this amazing destination including quaint and scenic downtown Nassau with it’s historic buildings, the glitz and glamour of Paradise Island, the business districts, exciting Cable Beach and the life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island.
The marathon starts at Junkanoo Beach (west of downtown Nassau) heading east thru downtown Nassau over the western Paradise Island bridge and immediately returning over the eastern Paradise Island bridge. Route continues east to Montagu Beach with a westward turn onto Shirley Street all the way to Cumberland Street north. At Bay Street, the course continues to the west hugging the northern shores of Cable Beach, Delaporte and West Bay Street with the turnaround ¼-mile west of Compass Point returning to the most eastern entrance to Arawak Cay for an oceanfront finish.
TEAMS – Distances and exchange points
Each team of Four members will collectively run the 26.2 marathon distance.
Exchange zones and distances:
Leg 1 – 6.2 miles
Start in front of McDonalds, Downtown
Leg 2 – 6.9 miles
McDonalds to east of Sun Fun Resort (in front of the ‘castle-type’ oceanfront house –green/white)
Leg 3 – 5.6 miles
East of Sun Fun Resort to turnaround point (west of Compass Point) to Cave’s Height
Leg 4 – 7.5 miles
Cave’s Height to Arawak Cay
PARKING
There is ample complimentary parking available in the Ft. Charlotte area (opposite finish line) and on the side streets in the area. Marathon Bahamas strongly recommend that you arrive no later than 5:00 am to find parking as there may be some congestion in the area.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
On Marathon Day, Sunday, January 20, special traffic controls will be in place from Junkanoo Beach to Paradise Island to Montague Beach thru Shirley Street to West Bay Street from 5:00 am – 12:30 pm. The streets (downtown – Shirley Street) will be opened on a gradual basis. West Bay Street through Compass Point will remain closed until the last participant has cleared the area. During the road closure, only authorized vehicles will be allowed on the route at the discretion of the traffic police. Traffic rules will be rigorously enforced to keep the event safe for all participants. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel on race morning.
WEATHER
The average weather in January is absolutely stunning with lows in the 60s (mornings) rising to the mid-70s (afternoon). The humidity averages out to 64%, with the sunrise at 6:53 am EST.
AID STATIONS
Water and replacement supplements will be available every mile, along the course, starting at mile two.
Marathon Bahamas’s Official Medical Team, Doctor’s Hospital, will be at the main medical tent positioned at the finish line. Medical stations will also be positioned along the race course should you need assistance during the race.
Authorized cyclists will be on the course monitoring participants who may require medical attention. Should attention be required, the cyclists will notify the medical team.
COURSE HOURS
There will be a 6-hour time limit on the course for the event; however, all participants must complete the first 6 miles within a 1.5 hour period. After the 12:00 pm cut-off period, if you are on the course, you will be asked to move to the pavement should you desire to complete the event. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Every participant must be in adequate health and sufficiently trained to partake in this race. Consult your physician before beginning any endurance-training regimen.
GEAR CHECK
Need a place to put your dry clothes or car keys? Simply drop your items in the race bag you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo (or your own personal bag) and drop your bag at the complimentary Gear Check area near the start line.
We recommend that you DO NOT check your wallets or any other valuables into a Gear Check bag.
*Make sure to fill out and attach your Gear Check stub located on your race bib.
Gear Check will close at 1:30 pm. All unclaimed gear will be donated to a local charity.
SHUTTLE SERVICE (Drop-off and Pick-up at Nassau and Bay Street)
Cable Beach (Sandals, Melia, BahaMar)
One way (pp): $7.00
Round-trip (pp): $13.00
Paradise Island (Atlantis Coral Towers)
One way (pp): $8.00
Round-trip (pp): $15.00
Above fees are subject to 12% VAT
Transfer arrangements are made at the expo, January 19, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm
POST RACE
All members of the team are invited to join the finish-line festivities at Arawak Cay and enjoy the morning at the beach with food, music, vendor displays and cheer other Marathon participants.
