International athletes shine as Run Barbados earns World Athletics certification

Barbados is strengthening its sports tourism push, boosted by Run Barbados’ new World Athletics certification, which places the island firmly on the global athletics calendar.

Held from December 5–7, the long-standing road-running festival continues to draw growing regional and international interest. This year, overseas athletes dominated Sunday morning’s FLOW Sand Dunes Half Marathon and Raw Fitness Gym Farley Hill Marathon.

In the half marathon, Colombia’s Sergio Lopez claimed victory in 1:11:31, with compatriot Oscar Acosta close behind in 1:11:56. Trinidad and Tobago’s Donnell Francis finished third in 1:13:12. Jamaica’s Jason Baker won the men’s full marathon in 2:46:31, while Colombia’s Palmenia Raquel secured the women’s title in 2:55:17.

The new World Athletics certification strengthens the event’s international profile and makes Barbados a qualifying destination for major marathons and competitive circuits. It is expected to draw athletes seeking official times, ranking points and college recruitment opportunities.

Run Barbados now joins surfing as one of the island’s internationally accredited sporting ventures.

Sports Manager at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Kamal Springer, said the designation will play a key role in the island’s marketing strategy.

“This is really important. We also have this designation for surfing, as the World Surf League has brought international events to Barbados. With this, more people are interested in coming to get those qualifications, either from points or times. This means more people want to come and be able to qualify to go to Boston, London and many other places.”

Springer also highlighted the benefits for local athletes.

“We are making a greater effort to promote domestically our international calendar so they can see the events that are in their backyard at the highest levels. This gives them the opportunity to participate and see the world-class athletes, so they know the standard they need to get to. We also work with the National Sports Council on some of our projects alongside the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, which stands as one of our sponsors. What this does is bring awareness in their local clubs and associations to let them know these things are going on so we can get more people involved. What is the point of having this international status if locals can’t enjoy it? We want to make sure they are more aware so they can participate,” he said.

He confirmed that discussions are ongoing for additional major events, including the World Bridge Championship in 2027.

“We see sports tourism as a laser-guided tool. We target the weak points in the tourism calendar and direct major events into these periods. So, in 2026, we hope to bring more activities, and in 2027, we will continue to grow.”

Looking ahead, Springer said organisers plan to expand the event’s wellness components to attract non-competitive visitors.

“Millions and millions of people travel all over the world for wellness activities. So why not Barbados? We have the beach, the calmness, food and the people. Not everyone wants to run per se, but many want to take part in wellness. So, next year, we will see a lot more of that, and we expect to see a bump in registration.” (DT)