Annual Emancipation Day Road Marathon set for August 1

Jul 29, 2026 Sports

(Kaieteur News) – Veteran marathon runner Carlton “Corn Man” Stephenson has once again joined forces with the Uitvlugt Community Development Committee to stage the 21st edition of the annual Emancipation Day Road Marathon, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 1.

The popular road race, a fixture on the local athletics calendar, is expected to attract runners of all ages and abilities as participants celebrate Emancipation Day through fitness, endurance and community spirit.

This year’s event will be contested over a revised route. Traditionally starting from Red Road, Sophia, the marathon has been shortened and will now begin at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling before heading west along the public roadway to its finish at Estate Road (Four Corners) in Uitvlugt.

Annual Emancipation Day Road Marathon set for August 1

Veteran Carlton Stephenson is set to lace up at the starting line this Saturday, aiming to finish strong in the 12-mlie Emancipation Day marathon.

The race is set to get underway at 5:30 a.m. and is open to all competitors eager to test their stamina and endurance.

While the distance has been reduced, organisers are confident the event will retain the excitement and competitive atmosphere that have made it one of the country’s longstanding Emancipation traditions.

Following the race, the festivities will continue with a full day of activities at the Uitvlugt community. Trophies and medals will be presented to the top finishers, while special awards will also be handed out to the oldest and youngest participants to complete the course.

Popularly known as Corn Man, Stephenson has been one of Guyana’s most recognisable long-distance runners in recent decades. In a quest to promote event, Carlton Stephenson is encouraging the public to lace up their running shoes and support the initiative, noting that the event continues to promote healthy living across all generations.

“Last year’s event attracted a solid turnout, and this year we are hoping for an even larger participation. Personally, I would like to see more young people coming out to support this initiative. In saying that, on Saturday, we will all be winners because the run is about positivity and healthier living,” Stephenson shared.

Organisers are optimistic that another strong field, including several of Guyana’s leading distance athletes, will be on the starting line as the annual Emancipation Road Marathon once again combines sport, culture and community in celebration of one of the nation’s most significant holidays.

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