- Run Barbados Marathon Weekend (RBMW) participants can now use race times to qualify on global marathon circuit following AIMS-IAAF certification -
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados. October 12, 2015 -- The Run Barbados marathon route has been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), a partner of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF).
With this AIMS-IAAF certification, Run Barbados competitors will be able to use their race times to qualify for other events on the international marathon circuit. It also gives runners the comfort that the racecourses are accurately measured and have met AIMS’ standards.
Speaking during a recent reception held for local stakeholders, Race Director, Zary Evelyn, confirmed the marathon runners would make two laps around the half marathon course.
This new approach will allow the management team to increase the number of volunteers, water stations and entertainment along the route. He also confirmed that the new state-of-the-art timing equipment was in hand.
BTMI CEO, William Griffith, confirmed that the international marketing effort was well underway with the goal of growing the rebranded series over the medium term.
“Going forward we will be working to position Run Barbados Marathon Weekend as the leading road race series in the Caribbean. Starting this year we will host international journalists and travel agents that will participate in the events. They will be instrumental in helping us to get a head start in promoting the series for 2016 and beyond.
“It will be an integrated marketing strategy encompassing digital campaigns, travel packages in tandem with our airline and hotel partners, incentives for large groups and reaching out to massive audiences at targeted events in our key source markets.” Griffith stated.
From October 16-17, Barbados will have a presence at the Running, Health & Fitness Expo of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which has confirmed participation by approximately 35,000 runners and fitness enthusiasts from across the globe. Two lucky attendees will win an all-expense paid running holiday to Barbados. Similar opportunities are being pursued in other major source markets.
Meanwhile, Heart and Stroke Foundation President, Gina Pitts, told attendees her organization was pleased to be named an official charity of the 2015 RBMW stating that the support would go a long way in sustaining their preventative and rehabilitative programmes.
