SIMPSON BAY--St. Maarten Road Runners, organisers of the 2017 Around the Island Relay Race on November 11, announced Thursday the event is definitely on, in case there were still doubts.
This 30th anniversary edition is a special one with 11 legs instead of the usual 10, and with extensive sponsorship this year’s race should attract a bumper turnout, or maybe a record turnout, to drive away the post-hurricane blues.
“Following Hurricane Irma we had to consider whether we could hold the event at all after so much damage to property, not to mention the psychological effects on everyone,” the board said in a release. “But in 1995 after Hurricane Luis we rallied ’round to make the race happen. And conditions after two months were much worse than they are now. Recovery went much slower. But it was held anyway.
“We encourage as many people, young and old, to take part. It will be good to take a break, have fun in a competitive but fun atmosphere to relieve the stress. There are still three more weeks to go, plenty of time to form a team and get training. The idea is just to get out there and participate, not to focus on winning, but to enjoy it in the great company of other teams and runners. “Just do it,” as the Nike ad says.
Raoul Illidge Sports Complex is ready to receive the 30th edition, the board noted.
For more information and registration, contact Tri Sport in Simpson Bay.
The Road Runners will publish more updates in the newspaper in the coming days
