NASSAU — The Bahamas is inviting Canadian runners to combine their next race with a tropical getaway at the inaugural Run Bahamas, taking place Jan. 31, 2027.
According to Marcel Major, CEO of Four Seasons Race Management, “this will be a racecation destination event you won’t want to miss.”
For Canadian travel advisors, Run Bahamas offers an opportunity to package race registrations with flights, accommodations and extended stays, turning a sporting event into a sun-soaked vacation.
The event will feature a full marathon, a four-person marathon relay, a half marathon, a 10K and a Colours of Courage 5K, offering options for runners of all levels. Virtual options are also available for the half and full marathons.
In a recent interview with Travelweek, Major said the event aims to be more than just a race. “The goal is to create a destination experience that highlights Bahamian hospitality, culture and natural beauty.”
Major, an RRCA-certified race director and former president of the Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club, is leading the event alongside his wife, Theresa Major. Both are experienced marathoners, having competed in Berlin, Chicago, Toronto and Rio de Janeiro.
RACE, RELAX AND REPEAT
Major encourages participants to make a weekend of it, arriving Friday and staying until at least Monday, or longer, to explore the destination.
“So, we want you to come and experience the Bahamas in all of its splendour, and make this a runcation destination,” he said.
The sunrise and ocean views will surely be a highlight as the course follows Nassau’s scenic shoreline, offering runners a fast, flat route. Organizers are pursuing international course certification, which, once secured, would allow qualifying results to count for entry into other marathons.
Interest is already extending beyond The Bahamas. Major noted that runners from seven countries had registered at the time of the interview.
He also emphasized that Run Bahamas is a new, independently operated event and is not affiliated with the former Marathon Bahamas.
FIVE RACES, ONE ISLAND CELEBRATION
January typically offers excellent running conditions in The Bahamas, especially for winter-weary Canadians.
The marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will start at Goodman’s Bay, Cable Beach, Nassau, with the shorter-distance races following.
All finishers across all the race distances will receive medals, including each member of the four-person relay teams.
Awards will recognize the top three male and female finishers in each age category for the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K, along with the top three relay teams.
And the festivities aren’t limited to runners.
The race village at Goodman’s Bay will welcome families, friends and spectators for entertainment and finish-line celebrations, with the beach providing an ideal setting for some post-race relaxation.
Registration fees increase Jan. 2, 2027, with registration closing Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. ET.
RUNNING FOR A CAUSE
Run Bahamas will also support the local community, with organizer Four Seasons Race Management donating a portion of event proceeds to the Gennie Dean Caring and SharingCancer Support Group.
Founded in 2012, the organization supports Bahamian families affected by cancer by providing nutritional support and other essential care. As part of an October cancer-awareness initiative, Run Bahamas is offering $10 off registration for the Colours of Courage 5K. Participants can use promo code PINK through Oct. 31, 2026.
HOTEL OFFERS AND RACE-DAY TRANSFERS
Several Nassau and Paradise Island resorts are offering special rates for race participants, creating additional opportunities for travel advisors to build vacation packages around the event.
Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas is the official host hotel and offers a dedicated race-weekend booking code, MARATHON, valid for stays from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2027.
A minimum two-night stay is required, and guests must be at least 16 years old. Located on Nassau Harbour, the resort is within walking distance of Atlantis Casino and Marina Village. To access the offer, enter the code in the Rate Access or Corporate Code field on Warwick’s website.
Exclusive roundtrip race-day bus transportation will also be available between Warwick and the start-and-finish area at Goodman’s Bay.
Breezes Bahamas and Baha Mar are also offering special race-weekend rates, with reservation links available on the Run Bahamas website.
Travel advisors can also explore air-and-hotel packages through tour operators, giving clients the flexibility to extend their stay beyond race weekend.
This winter, flight frequencies to Nassau have increased, with options from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary and Ottawa, offered by Air Canada, WestJet and Porter.
For more information, including hotel offers and event details, visit runbahamas.net. Race registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/BS/Nassau/
Lead image caption: Nassau, Bahamas
