Annual Exuma Marathon: Run for Pompey 2025 - A Race Through Paradise and History
The Annual Exuma Marathon, officially known as "Run for Pompey," returns for its 11th edition on Saturday, November 15, 2025, offering runners a unique blend of athletic challenge, breathtaking Caribbean scenery, and meaningful historical commemoration. While the query suggests evening timing from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, official race information indicates this is actually a morning event, with the half marathon departing at 6:00 AM and other races starting at 7:00 AM, concluding with an awards ceremony at 11:00 AM at Regatta Park in George Town, Exuma.
This extraordinary charity race takes place on one of the most beautiful islands in the Bahamas, combining athletic achievement with cultural significance as participants run through the stunning landscapes of Great Exuma while honoring the legacy of a Bahamian hero whose courage changed history.
The Story Behind the Race: Honoring Pompey's Legacy
The Run for Pompey carries deep historical significance that transforms this athletic event into a powerful commemoration of courage and resistance. Named after Pompey, a 32-year-old Bahamian slave who led a remarkable uprising in 1830, the race honors a pivotal moment in Bahamian history when one man's bravery changed the lives of 77 fellow slaves.
In 1830, British Lord and plantation owner John Rolle declared that 77 slaves on Exuma must be transferred to work on Cat Island, a decision that would have separated families and shattered lives. While others accepted this devastating fate, Pompey refused to remain silent. His courageous leadership sparked an uprising that successfully canceled the transfer order, marking a crucial moment of resistance against the establishment just years before emancipation was achieved in the Bahamas in August 1834.
This act of defiance represents far more than a single moment of rebellion; it embodies the principles of freedom, equality, and the refusal to accept injustice that continue to inspire people today. The race begins near the Pompey Memorial in Steventon, Exuma, ensuring that every participant connects with this powerful legacy as they embark on their athletic journey.
Race Categories and Distances for Every Runner
The 2025 Run for Pompey welcomes athletes of all abilities with four distinct race categories designed to accommodate everyone from families with young children to serious marathon enthusiasts. The George Town Dash offers a 2K route perfect for kids or anyone seeking a shorter, fun run experience. The signature "Run for Pompey" 5K provides an ideal distance for both casual and competitive runners, while the 10K challenge appeals to those ready for a more demanding test of endurance.
The crown jewel of the event is the 21.5-kilometer half marathon, restricted to participants aged 16 and older, which takes runners through the most spectacular sections of Great Exuma's coastline and interior landscapes. Each race route has been carefully designed to showcase the island's natural beauty while providing safe, well-supported running conditions for all participants.
What makes this event particularly special is its accessibility, with registration fees ranging from completely free for students 18 and under to just $75 for the half marathon, making it one of the most affordable destination races in the Caribbean. The 10K costs $50, the 5K is $25, and the 2K is also $25, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent anyone from participating in this meaningful event.
Professional Race Management and Safety
Despite its charitable nature and relatively modest registration fees, Run for Pompey maintains professional standards that rival major international racing events. The race features professional timing systems that provide accurate results for all participants, while comprehensive safety measures include two registered nurses and an ambulance on-site throughout the event.
Water stations are strategically positioned along all race routes, crucial for maintaining hydration in the Caribbean climate, even during the cooler morning hours when the races take place. Medical assistance is readily available, and race organizers maintain constant communication systems to ensure rapid response to any emergency situations.
Every participant receives a finisher's medal regardless of their completion time, celebrating the achievement of crossing the finish line while supporting a worthy cause. The professional approach extends to the awards ceremony, where trophies are presented to male and female winners in each category, with special recognition for junior winners aged 18 and younger in applicable categories.
The Pompey Scholarship: Racing for Education
What elevates Run for Pompey beyond a typical destination race is its profound charitable mission. One hundred percent of race registration proceeds support the annual Pompey Scholarship, which provides $5,000 to a deserving Bahamian student graduating from L.N. Coakley High School in Exuma to pursue post-secondary education.
Since its inception in 2015, the Pompey Scholarship has helped eight students attend college, creating opportunities for young Bahamians to build better futures through education. This direct connection between athletic participation and educational advancement creates a meaningful purpose that resonates with participants long after they cross the finish line.
The scholarship represents a modern continuation of Pompey's legacy of fighting for freedom and opportunity. Just as Pompey refused to accept an unjust fate for his fellow slaves, the race community refuses to accept limited educational opportunities for Exuma's youth, using athletic achievement to fund academic dreams.
Race Day Experience and Schedule
Race day begins early to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and avoid conflicts with increasing traffic on Queen's Highway, Exuma's main thoroughfare. The half marathon participants gather at Regatta Park in George Town at 6:00 AM for the most challenging distance, while all other race categories start at 7:00 AM.
The race routes wind through Great Exuma's most beautiful landscapes, offering participants stunning views of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. The relatively flat terrain makes the courses accessible to runners of varying abilities while still providing enough variety to keep the experience engaging throughout each distance.
Following the completion of all races, participants and spectators gather at Regatta Park for the awards ceremony beginning at 11:00 AM. This celebration includes trophy presentations for category winners, with the half marathon champion receiving the coveted championship belt for achieving the best overall time. The ceremony creates a festive atmosphere where athletic achievement, community spirit, and charitable purpose converge in a uniquely Caribbean celebration.
Planning Your Exuma Racing Adventure
November represents ideal conditions for outdoor activities in the Bahamas, with comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall creating perfect racing weather. The timing allows international visitors to combine their race participation with an extended Caribbean vacation, exploring Exuma's famous swimming pigs, iguanas, and world-class fishing and diving opportunities.
George Town serves as the race hub and provides convenient access to accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to charming guesthouses. The compact nature of Exuma means that all race-related activities, dining options, and tourist attractions are easily accessible from any lodging choice. Many participants extend their stay to experience the island's renowned hospitality and natural beauty beyond race weekend.
The race attracts approximately 300 participants annually, creating an intimate, community-focused atmosphere that's impossible to find at larger destination races. This scale ensures that every runner receives personalized attention while contributing to a close-knit racing community that spans both local Bahamians and international visitors.
Cultural Immersion and Island Exploration
Participating in Run for Pompey provides unique opportunities to experience authentic Bahamian culture beyond typical tourist activities. The race connects visitors directly with local residents who volunteer at water stations, cheer along the course, and participate in post-race celebrations. These interactions offer genuine insights into island life and Bahamian hospitality that create lasting memories.
The historical component adds educational value to the athletic experience. Participants can visit the Pompey Memorial and learn more about the 1830 uprising while exploring other historical sites throughout Exuma. Local guides often share stories about the island's past, connecting modern visitors with the rich heritage that inspired the race's creation.
Race weekend also coincides with various local cultural activities and provides opportunities to sample authentic Bahamian cuisine, from conch fritters to fresh-caught fish prepared in traditional styles. Many restaurants and local establishments offer special menus and events during race weekend, creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout George Town.
Training Tips for Caribbean Racing
Running in the Caribbean requires specific preparation, particularly for participants traveling from cooler climates. The early morning start times help mitigate heat concerns, but runners should still prepare for higher humidity levels than they might encounter in temperate regions. Hydration becomes crucial, both during training and on race day, making the strategically placed water stations essential for all participants.
The relatively flat terrain means that hill training isn't necessary, but runners should focus on building endurance appropriate for their chosen distance. The scenic beauty of the course can be both inspiring and distracting, so participants should practice maintaining focus while enjoying spectacular surroundings.
For international travelers, arriving a few days before the race allows for acclimatization and reduces the stress of travel logistics on race day. This extra time also provides opportunities to explore the course routes during training runs, becoming familiar with the terrain while enjoying Exuma's natural beauty.
The 2025 Run for Pompey promises an extraordinary combination of athletic challenge, historical significance, and Caribbean beauty that creates memories lasting far beyond the finish line. Whether you're seeking a personal challenge, supporting educational opportunities for Bahamian youth, or simply wanting to experience one of the world's most beautiful race settings, this event offers something truly special. Register now at runforpompey.com for the November 15, 2025 race and become part of a tradition that honors the past while building futures through the power of sport and community. Join fellow runners from around the world in George Town, Exuma, for an unforgettable morning that combines athletic achievement with meaningful purpose in paradise.