Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness Weekend 2025 Open For Registration

The 42nd annual Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend is out of the starting blocks, scheduled for December 4 to 7, 2025.

This year’s event, ushers in a new era with a tested race programme, new wellness activities, and exclusive travel and participation packages designed to attract more runners, wellness enthusiasts, and visitors to Barbados.

During the September 24 media launch, Chief Operations Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Cheryl Carter, set the stage for the Caribbean’s most iconic running festival. “For more than four decades, this marathon has been a beacon of athletic excellence, cultural pride, and global camaraderie.” 

Ms. Carter added, “Today, it continues to stand as a signature highlight on the international sporting calendar, drawing participants and supporters from across the world to Barbados’ shores.”

Signature Races and Expanded Wellness Experiences

The exhilarating races remain as the core lineup of the Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, including the Garrison Savannah Fun Mile Night Race, Sleeping Giant 5K Walk, Sleeping Giant 5K Run, Casuarina 10K Run, Farley Hill Marathon, and Sand Dunes Half Marathon, the festival also features expanded wellness elements.

Attendees can enjoy beach workout sessions, rainforest yoga and baths, meditation, pilates, moonlit hikes, and trail adventures. Naniki Barbados also offers a specially curated travel package featuring cottage stays with scenic views, healthy meals, heritage walks, and numerous other options.

As part of its commitment to promoting wellness and supporting the local economy, the Run Barbados has several spa partners, including Waves and Colony Club, that have agreed to offer 25% off all treatments, along with spa vouchers.

The Crane Barbados Resort, O2 Beach Club & Spa, and Reflections Spa are also offering special packages, while Raw Juice Bar is offering 15% off all products from December 4 to 9. These partnerships ensure that both locals and visitors enjoy a diverse range of wellness opportunities while supporting Barbados’ vibrant business community.

Ms. Carter said that the ongoing evolution and growth of the Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend are vital to keeping the event fresh, relevant, and inclusive, ensuring it continues to inspire new generations of participants. 

“For the first time, we are expanding beyond the racecourse to introduce holistic wellness components, bringing together running, movement, mindfulness, and community.” She added, “This evolution reflects not only global trends in sport and lifestyle, but also Barbados’ commitment to positioning itself as a premier destination for sports and wellness tourism.”

A Tradition of Growth and Global Participation

Ms. Carter also emphasized the importance of sports tourism for the island’s economy, noting the increase in participation. “In 2023, Run Barbados welcomed over 1,200 participants from 18 countries.  That number rose to more than 1,600 from 25 countries in 2024.  With this year’s expanded offerings and rising international interest, organisers expect even greater participation, further strengthening Barbados’ reputation as a top sports tourism destination.”

Visitors came from countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Romania, St.  Lucia, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

During the launch, BTMI’s Manager of Sports, Kamal Springer; Race Coordinator, Zary Evelyn, and Associate Director of Sales at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All Inclusive Resort, Devon Chase, also delivered remarks that underscored the event’s impact and the island’s readiness to host athletes, families, and wellness enthusiasts from around the globe.

Mr. Evelyn highlighted exciting updates to the competition structure and the rewarding experience for participants. “This year, we’re making the event even more inclusive and rewarding by adjusting our age group categories. With the new five-year age group brackets and our popular Challenge Medal, participants can go home with multiple medals – a true celebration for every runner.”

Highlighting the critical role of partnerships in the event’s success, Mr. Chase, spoke about Wyndham’s enthusiasm for supporting the Weekend. “We are proud to support this event, which so strongly positions Barbados as a leading destination for wellness,” Mr. Chase said. 

“As the largest hotel on the island, we are very intentional in our partnerships, and the Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend truly aligns with our values. We look forward to fostering this partnership in the years to come.” (PR/GIS)