A Caribbean challenge

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Some of the world’s leading marathoners traveled to St. Kitts recently for a special cruise marathon.

The marathon, hosted by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, was part of a cruise adventure dubbed “Southern Caribbean Challenge,” wherein renowned amateur athletes are participating in six marathons in six destinations over the course of a one-week cruise vacation.

In St. Kitts the 34-member group ran the marathon in the Frigate Bay Area.

Combined, the group has broken more 20 Guinness World Records, and have participated in more than 2,500 marathons in more than 100 countries.

The group included athletes from different nations, such as Juergen Hulmey of Germany, who at 78 has run more than 500 marathons in 57 countries; Tuedon Morgan of Nigeria, a 42-year-old mother of four who began running marathons to change her unhealthy lifestyle and now holds two Guinness World Records; and JC Santa Teresa of the Philippines, who is a Guinness World Record holder for completing 21 ultramarathons in consecutive days.

“Supporting this event is in keeping with our goal to further develop sports tourism opportunities in our own island Federation,” said Lindsay Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade Industry and Commerce. “It also enhances the cruise visitor experience beyond our unique attractions and excursions in St. Kitts. We have a lot to offer all our visitors.”

Southern Caribbean Challenge is organized by Ziyad Rahim, Founder and CEO of Z Adventures.

He holds ten world records in long-distance running, and is the only athlete in the world to complete a half marathon, marathon, and ultramarathon on all seven continents.

“Most the runners are part of Marathon Country Club and Marathon Globetrotters and their aim is tick off as many countries as they can,” Ziyad said. “None of the runners on this adventure are professionals. They are all our everyday folks with a full-time job and families who are keen to attempt challenges that are out of their comfort zones.”