Local runners and runners from around the world will run the 10th Virgin Islands International Marathon (26.2 miles) at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. It will start at Plaza Extra (west) on Queen Mary Highway, proceed to Frederiksted, continue along the coast and finish at the Ann Abrahamson Pier, according to a press release issued by The V.I. Pace Runners.
Included in the event will be the 37th Virgin Islands Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) also on Dec. 4, which will start at 6 a.m. at Butler Bay and also run along the coast and finish at the pier.
During race weekend there will be a panel discussion “Women and the Marathon” hosted by the SoMaR (The Society of Olympic Marathon Runners).
Notes:
1] The 26.2 mile 10th St. Croix International Marathon and the 37th Virgin Islands Half-Marathon is open to participants 18 and older.
2] Participants can register for the events by logging on to: http://virginislandspace.org/stxmarathon2011.htm by downloading the registration form or online via the All Sports Central link.
3] The course for this event is considered to be one of the most scenic in the world. It is flat and fast; It is IAAF (International Association of Athletic Federation Certified), which means that participants who meet the time standard can qualify for the London Olympic Games, the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon and other major marathon races.
4] V.I. participants will compete for V.I. National Championship titles in the marathon and the half-marathon.
5] Invited panelists for the panel discussion include: Ana (Gutierrez) Witman (first and only V.I. Olympic Marathon runner 1992 Barcelona Olympics, 3:14); Lisah Hamilton, V.I. female record holder for the marathon (2:43); Maureen Manning (St. Croix International Marathon women record holder, 3:18); Ruth Ann David (V.I. women’s record holder St. Croix International Marathon, 3:24) and Theresa Harper (five time winner St. Croix International Marathon).
6] The Virgin Islands Pace Runners is the organizer of this event with support for provided by: The Virgin Islands Police Department, St. Croix Rescue, The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation and The St. Croix Track Club.
Race partners http://virginislandspace.org/stxmarathonracepartners2011.htm ; The V.I. Department of Tourism; Stamina Sports. The event is affiliated with: Association of Marathons and Road Races; The American Road Runners Association and sanctioned by the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation.
7] Race headquarters: The Buccaneer Hotel
8] Links to complete race information: http://virginislandspace.org/stxmarathon2011.htm
