Barbados has significantly elevated its position in the global sports tourism arena following the prestigious World Athletics certification awarded to its Run Barbados event. This accreditation, announced for the December 5-7 road-running festival, formally integrates the island nation into the international competitive athletics circuit, transforming it into a qualifying destination for major global marathons.
The certification’s immediate impact was evident during the recent event, where international athletes dominated the podium. Colombia’s Sergio Lopez clinched victory in the FLOW Sand Dunes Half Marathon with a time of 1:11:31, followed closely by compatriot Oscar Acosta. The full marathon titles were claimed by Jamaica’s Jason Baker (2:46:31) and Colombia’s Palmenia Raquel (2:55:17) in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
According to Kamal Springer, Sports Manager at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., this development represents a strategic advancement in the island’s tourism marketing. ‘This designation enables athletes worldwide to pursue official qualifying times, ranking points, and recruitment opportunities while experiencing Barbados,’ Springer noted. The island now boasts two internationally accredited sporting events, with Run Barbados joining its World Surf League-certified surfing competitions.
Beyond international appeal, Springer emphasized the initiative’s domestic benefits: ‘We’re actively promoting our international calendar to local athletes, providing them with exposure to world-class standards right in their backyard.’ The program collaborates with the National Sports Council and Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture to ensure community engagement and participation.
Future developments include expanding the event’s wellness components to attract non-competitive visitors, leveraging Barbados’s natural assets of beaches, cuisine, and tranquil environment. Springer confirmed ongoing discussions to host additional major events, including the World Bridge Championship in 2027, as part of a targeted strategy to address seasonal tourism fluctuations through sports tourism initiatives.