The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board was happy to assists in the building of a niche market that is slowly being tapped by the TCI – sports tourism. As sports tourism marketing opportunities continue to become available, on Monday, February 21, 2011 the TCI Tourist Board teamed up with Caribbean Islands Marathon hosted by coaches John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield along with some 40 athletes, who traveled to the nation’s capital, Grand Turk aboard the Eurodam, Holland American.
The 6 ½ mile marathon got off to a quick start at about 9:00 am from the Grand Turk Lighthouse through the scenic and historic areas of Grand Turk. It was nothing but clear skies in forecast as some 40 athletes, ran and walked through the streets. In the end it was Charlie Leight in first place; Georgina Dodge in second and Ernst Steffen capping off the third place finish.
The Caribbean Islands Marathon is hosted by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield, and is the worlds only staged maritime marathon designed for runners and walkers alike. Each day, athletes run or walk a timed distance, on new terrain and enjoy new racing experiences in some of the Caribbean’s prettiest destinations.
Brian Been, the Tourist Board’s Senior Product Development Officer for Grand Turk said: “This event has become a hallmark in its third year, providing additional exposure for the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially with sports enthusiast bloggers. Additionally the timing is perfect as many cruise passengers are seeking additional activities beyond sun, sea and sand; and sports events are becoming a growing attraction. It is hoped that the TCI gets supplementary promotion amongst the sports or running enthusiasts targeted by the cruse line.”
Additionally, reports indicated that many of the runners, on completion of the race, rented bikes or took taxis to return to some of the sites along the route, confirming the value of the event as a promotional tool. It was especially heart warming to see that the organizers of the event made a donation to the Ona Glinton Primary School Rebuilding Fund, considering that hundreds or thousands of visitors come to our shores with a few taking time out to give to those they don’t know.
The Tourist Board feels that the event was a success and extends special thanks to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission, The Grand Turk Medical Department and Hospital Emergency Medical Services as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force.
