Distance runners from as far as Kenya, Mexico and Columbia will converge in Tobago on May 18 and 19 for the fourth annual Tobago International Sea to Sea Marathon.
The 26.2-mile race will start in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve near Bloody Bay on the Caribbean Sea and proceed through the forest to Roxborough.
The race will then take athletes south along the Windward Road, which is bordered by the Atlantic coast, through several communities down through Scarborough ending at Lambeau Beach. Participants can also participate in the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, which also ends at Lambeau Beach.
This year’s event was launched at the Magdalene Gran Hotel and Golf Resort on Tuesday.
Race Director, Raymond Chin Assang compared the Tobago International Sea to Sea Marathon to several well-established marathons.
“Sea to Sea is just three years so we are really a baby in this business but I must commend the work that has gone into this event and the people who have really supported the event because its not just about the whole pile of people who are coming and the quality of a race, is the quality of your runners, it's about organizing a good race and about trying to encourage Tobagonians especially to take part,” he said.
He urged young persons to get involved, as there are many benefits to be gained from running.
“Road running is an activity where young people can take part and what it is really is that when you run you put distance between yourself and your destructive entities.”
Republic Bank has signed on as a platinum sponsor of this year’s event and Orielle Small, who represented the bank at the launch, said her organisation is happy to be a part of the event because of what the race represents.
“A long and lasting tradition around environmental awareness as each successful Sea To Sea marathon is another step towards building a long and lasting tradition around the conservation of our natural environment as well as the development of our young people through sport.”
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) Louis Lewis, the Tobago Sea to Sea International Marathon fits neatly into TTAL's objectives.
“It’s a product that provides an opportunity for visitations and cements itself as a fixture into Tobago’s Sport Tourism Calendar.”
Among the persons expected to participate in this year’s race are Didimo Sanchez of Columbia, Richard Perez of Cuba, Filmon Kicholen from Kenya Victor Marin of Mexico and Tobago born Curtis Cox.