Bahamians compete in Berlin Marathon

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The Nassau GuardianSend an emailOctober 4, 2022 143 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 From left: Anthony Longley, Charles Johnson and Shavaughn Blades.

The country’s premier long distance running club, Bahamas Roadmasters (BRRC), is extending congratulations to eight of its members who recently traveled to Germany and successfully completed the Berlin Marathon (26.2 miles/42.16 Kilometers).

The team comprised veteran marathoners Shavaughn Blades, Eva Etienne, Michael Cunningham, Anthony Longley, Charles and Eunice Johnson, and Ted and Dr. Ebbie Jackson. Each of the members has a reason to be exceedingly proud of their respective accomplishments in Berlin.

According to RunRepeat, approximately 0.05 percent of the United States population has completed a marathon, and worldwide, only about 1.1 million runners finish a marathon each year. That equates to approximately 0.01 percent of the world’s population. Each of the eight members of the Bahamas Roadmasters completed the Berlin Marathon.

The Berlin Marathon is one of the Abbott World Majors (the six most prestigious marathons in the world) and is considered as the one with the fastest course of all of the leading races. With temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit on race morning, conditions were perfect for the performances from the Bahamian team.

At age 65, Cunningham clocked a personal best (PB) of 4:03:19 and qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon. Longley, 61, clocked a PB of 5:11:00. Blades celebrated her 50th birthday by racing in her 50th marathon. She ran the London Marathon a week after competing in Berlin in her quest to complete all six of the Abbot World Majors. She accomplished that and joined fellow BRRC member Charles Johnson who earned this 

distinction earlier this year.

Known for record-breaking performances, history was made once again in Berlin as Eliud Kipchoge, of Kenya, established a new world record of 2:01:19, shaving 30 seconds off his previous world record. He broke his own world record which he set at the 2018 Berlin Marathon. The women’s race was won by reigning Olympic Champion Tigist Assefa, of Ethiopia, in 2:15:37.

The BRRC was formed in 1990 with a mission to advance the sport of long distance running in The Bahamas. Members travel several times each year to compete in international marathons. BRRC hosts two major events locally – its ‘Midnight Madness Fun Run/Walk’ in June, featuring 10 kilometer (k) and 5k races, and its signature event the Bahamas Half Race Series, set for November 20 this year. The Bahamas Half Race Series features a half marathon, a half marathon relay and 10 and 5k races.

Registration is ongoing via the website www.bahamashalf242.com

Through the support of major sponsors, The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Colina Insurance, Caribbean Bottling Co., Bahamas Welding & Fire, Nassau Agencies Ltd. and Lignum Advisors, attractive cash prizes are once again being offered for the Bahamas Half Race Series

Male and female winners will receive cash prizes – $2500 for first place, $1500 for second place, $500 for third place, and there will be a special prize for the first male and female Bahamian resident, $250.

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