​SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE 2019

7 Marathons - 6 Countries - 1 Week Cruise!

​After the success of the first 2 editions of Southern Caribbean Challenge in 2016 & 2017, we will be back again in 2019. The 2018 edition was cancelled due to hurricane damage in the region.

The previous 2 editions were sold out months in advance.  World Record holders from over 20 countries started in Puerto Rico and completed the series in Sint Maarten. All events were professionally managed by local authorities on each Island. The entire series was approved by Marathon Globetrotters & Marathon Country Club and all finishers received accreditation from both clubs.  The events took place in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Netherlands Antilles.

Our athletes have the option to partake in one or more running events over a fun-filled one week cruise vacation. The events will again take place in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Netherlands Antilles and one race aboard the cruise ship. The Southern Caribbean Challenge is designed to accommodate every kind of runner and walker. Participants will get a chance to explore the islands, meet like-minded adventure-athletes, and soak in the sights and sounds of each destination. Not only that, the comfort of being on a luxury cruise ship will allow participants to relax and enjoy the evenings with family and friends. Runners & walkers can choose any distance they like ranging from 5K, 10K, half marathon to full marathon. 

DATES: June 1 - 9, 2019

LOCATIONS: San Juan, PUERTO RICO; St. Thomas, US VIRGIN ISLANDS; Bridgetown, BARBADOS; Castries, ST. LUCIA; Basseterre, ST. KITTS; Sint Maarten, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES

CRUISE PACKAGES: We have the following prices locked in till Nov 2, 2018. 

INTERIOR STATE ROOM: USD 530.00++ pp based on twin sharing. 
OCEAN VIEW STATE ROOM: USD 610++ pp based on twin sharing. 

There are only 30 spots available and are guaranteed to fill up quickly. Interested participants would need to complete the RESERVATION FORM below.  A deposit of USD 500.00 per cabin is required to reserve the spot on the cruise ship with the final payment due on March 8, 2019. 

MARATHON PACKAGE: USD 895.00 per person. This includes one night accommodation in San Juan (twin sharing), transfer from hotel to cruise ship, swag (includes T-shirt & Cap), race entry fee for all 7 professionally managed events by local organizers, medals for each event, welcome reception, credits on cruise ship and other activities. For full details, please read the "INCLUDED & FAQ" section below. 
​

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Saturday 1 June 2019 - Arrive in San Juan

Arrive at the official race hotel by 6pm. Meet your new running and walking friends at the Welcome Reception at 7pm and enjoy a pasta group meal to kick start the vacation.

​DAY 2 – Sunday 2 June 2019 – San Juan Harbor Marathon - PUERTO RICO

The first marathon will start at 4:00 am to ensure that all runners complete the event by 1:00 pm.  Runners would then return to the hotel to shower up before heading to the port in a private coach to catch the 9:00 pm cruise. 

​ DAY 3 – Monday 3 June 2019 – St. Thomas Cove Marathon - US VIRGIN ISLANDS

We will arrive at the port at 7:00 am. Upon disembarking, the race will commence at 7:30 am on an out and back course. Enjoy the bustling city centre promenade on a beautiful 5.275 km course along the famous St. Thomas corniche.  Runners would have till 4:00 pm to complete the race.

​DAY 4 – Tuesday 4 June 2019 – Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon - SINT MAARTEN

Sint Maarten has the most beautiful marathon course which takes runners along the beautiful promenade up to the top of the fort.  We will run on the Dutch side of the island. Upon disembarking at 8:00 AM, the race will commence at 8:30 am. Runners would have till 4:00 pm to complete the race.

 DAY 5 – Wednesday 5 June 2019 – St. Kitts Waterfall Marathon - ST. KITTS & NEVIS

This will be the 4th marathon in consecutive days. We will again arrive at the port at 8:00 am. Upon disembarking, the race will commence at 8:30 am in Fridgate Bay area . Runners would have till 4:00 pm to complete the race.

​DAY 6 – Thursday 6 June 2019 – Pitons Peak Marathon - ST. LUCIA

The cruise will dock at the port at 8:00 am. Upon disembarking, we will start the race at 8:30am on a 5.275km out and back course near the cruise terminal and airport.  Runners would have till 4:00 pm to complete the race.  

DAY 7 – Friday 7 June 2019 – Carlisle Bay Marathon - BARBADOS

We will arrive at the port at 8:00 am. Upon disembarking, the race will commence at 8:30am on an out and back course in a park outside the cruise terminal. Enjoy the sights of Bridgetown on a fast and flat course.  Runners would have till 4:00 pm to complete the race. ​

DAY 8 – Saturday 8 June 2019 – Caribbean Sea Marathon - CARNIVAL CRUISE

The final race of the challenge will be on-board the cruise ship as we sail back to San Juan.  Runners will have access to food and drinks while taking part in the marathon on a moving ship. ​

​DAY 9 – Sunday 9 June 2019 – Return to San Juan

We would arrive back in San Juan at 7am.  After a one week vacation of running & relaxation we would depart home with bragging rights, awesome memories and like-minded energetic friends!

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

​INTERIOR STATEROOM

A comfortable stateroom retreat, where some rooms also feature pull-down beds – ideal for families. Stateroom amenities: Television Soft, comfortable, and cozy linens Hairdryer/Bathrobes 24-hour stateroom service. Ample closet and drawer space.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM

Large windows offer excellent views of the ocean and sneak peeks of each destination. Stateroom amenities: Television; soft, comfortable, and cozy linens; Hairdryer/Bathrobes; 24-hour stateroom service; ample closet and drawer space.

BALCONY STATEROOM

Stateroom amenities: Television; soft, comfortable, and cozy linens; Hairdryer/Bathrobes; 24-hour stateroom service; ample closet and drawer space. Separate seating are

​SUITE STATEROOM

A spacious room, that includes Priority check-in during embarkation. Stateroom amenities: Whirlpool bath Vanity dressing table; Television; soft, comfortable, and cozy linens; Hairdryer/Bathrobes; 24-hour stateroom service; ample closet and drawer space.

INCLUDED & FAQ

​PRICE: USD 895pp (Runner)

What’s included:

• One night accommodation in San Juan
• Welcome reception in San Juan
• Transfer from race hotel in San Juan to cruise ship
• Race entry fee and transfers for all 7 events
• Swag
• Nutrition and fitness talks and sessions
• Private dining with your hosts and fellow participants
• Most shipboard activities
• Cruise credits for onboard shopping

What’s not included:

• Cruise ship package
• Airfare from/to San Juan
• Transfer from San Juan airport to host hotel
• Return transfer from cruise ship to the airport
• Gratuities on cruise ship: ~$84 per person
• Alcoholic beverages
• Hotel room telephone, mini bar and hotel food and drinks between meals
• Accommodation after the cruise
• Personal items purchased

​Trip Essentials:

• All runners are required to wear GPS watches / devices as a backup for timing and distance monitoring.
• There will be no dedicated medical support on the course.  Runners will take part at their own risk and are required to have trip cancellation and medical insurance.

Non-runners pay USD 300.00 only. 

INDIVIDUAL RACE ENTRY FEE: USD 100.00 (only applicable to non-cruise runners). The price includes a finisher's medal & T-shirt. 

For more information, please contact us by email

CRUISE REGISTRATION

The registration link is valid for runners who are booking the cabin on twin sharing or solo basis. All runners who require us to pair them with another runner should email us and we will help you with your requirements.