Guyana’s next marathon: It’s all about the Mission!

Apr 07, 2015 Sports

Leading distance athletes combine to host event at Santa Mission Nov 14
Within a mere 45-minute boat ride across the Demerara River, along the picturesque Kamuni Creek lays an Amerindian village known as the Santa Mission. Tourists from Europe, Asia, North and South Americas stop only

Leading local distance athletes Cleveland Forde (left) and Alika Morgan, flanks lead organizer Sevak Tsaturyan on a practice run during a visit to the Mission.

to see the crafts sold at the local gift shop at Santa Mission, or to take photographs next to the old tree. If they are lucky they may get a tour of the Santa Mission Elementary School and say hello to the local children.
What they cannot see or learn about the village in a 15-minute tour is what Guyana’s next Marathon hopes to accomplish. The mission of Guyana Trail Marathon, Half Marathon &10K, to be held on November 14, 2015, is to bring athletes and amateur runners around the world for a cultural awareness of the Amerindian community and to raise funds for the local Elementary School. The founders of the race are some of the top long distance athletes locally, which include Cleveland Forde & Alika Morgan, Coach Leslie Black, amateurs like Marc Anthony, and foreign expatriates like Kelly R.
The race is set to start and finish at the Santa Mission, where the participants are invited to stay either at the newly renovated Santa Mission Eco-Lodge, or simply camp with their tents or hang hammocks. For some visitors staying in town at places ranging from small hotels to the Marriott International is also an option.
The race registration will include transportation from Georgetown to the start line, a race T-shirt, finisher medal, a light meal at the end of the race, and of course like many traditional races, water and snacks along the route. Pasta dinner as a tradition for most races will also be served the night before, during the orientation.
Saturday, November 14, 2015 will be Guyana’s first ever trail Marathon, a unique race to run in the trails owned and maintained by the local Amerindian village. What the race hopes to accomplish is to put a highlight on the Mission, to preserve their heritage, culture and education. As 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the community, all local businesses are invited to participate as sponsors.
However, the race will not be a commercialization effort and is not aimed at boosting revenues or highlighting any specific business. Because this effort is all about them: it is all about their Mission!
Interested athletes can register at www.guyanamarathon.com. For all questions please contact the organizers at [email protected].