RUN BARBADOS BACKED BY THE CAVE SHEPHERD GROUP OF COMPANIES

- BTMI announces new title sponsor for the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend and other major changes for the Dec. 2 - 4 series -

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS. March 24, 2016 – The Run Barbados Marathon Weekend has been endorsed by one of Barbados’ most recognizable companies.

Speaking at the 2016 media launch of the RBMW at the Tamarind Cove Hotel today, CEO of the Cave Shepherd Group of Companies, John Williams, described the Run Barbados event, like Cave Shepherd, as a "Barbadian institution" and pledged his company's commitment in a three-year partnership agreement with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).

"As a group, we were seeking out an event where all of our associated businesses could come together and participate and we found it in the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend." said Williams.

The race calendar now features the Cave Shepherd & Co. Marathon; the Fortress Half Marathon; the Colombian Emeralds International 10K; the Cave Shepherd Card 5K; the Signia Fun Mile and the Ganzee 5K walk for charity.  This partnership arrangement includes access by the RBMW team to the group's large international database.

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CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), William Griffith, described their association with the Cave Shepherd group would augur well for the recently re-branded series.  "In seeking a title sponsor we wanted to find a reputable and recognizable brand that would be willing to join us on this journey to take the Run Barbados series to the highest level in the minds of destination runners across the region and beyond.  We are pleased to have found that partner in the Cave Shepherd Group of Companies."

Meanwhile race director, Zary Evelyn of Island Races, confirmed that they will be increasing the total prize purse by over BDS $17,200 over last year's offering, making it the richest road race in the Caribbean.  He emphasized that while they had increased the prize money their main target audience was still the everyday runner seeking to indulge in their passion for running. Another major change is the relocation of the entire Dec. 2-4 series to Bay Street in 2016, with the Fun Mile also climaxing at the Esplanade.  In addition, airfare and accommodation will be provided for all of last year's winners to defend their titles.

Registration for the series opened on February 3 via the official website with 50 persons already signed up. Additionally, through a new partnership recently sealed with the Canada Running Series, the Run Barbados team will have access to more than 40,000 running enthusiasts on social media.  This includes the participation of elite runners, Canadian Olympian runners Lanni Marchant, Canadian Marathon Record Holder and Natasha Wodak, Canadian Women's 10,000m Record Holder.