Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness Weekend 2025

Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness Weekend returns December 5–7, 2025, for its 42nd edition, expanding the island’s signature three-day running festival with a refreshed wellness component, sunset races on the ruggedly beautiful East Coast, and a festive kickoff under the lights at the historic Garrison Savannah. Official event and tourism pages confirm the 2025 dates, race formats, venues, registration, and the popular “Three‑Day Challenge” medal awarded to athletes who compete on all three days. A detailed weekend agenda shows Friday’s Fun Mile at the Garrison, Saturday’s 5K and 10K starting late afternoon at Barclays Park on Ermy Bourne Highway, and Sunday’s pre‑dawn Half Marathon and Marathon on a coastal out‑and‑back, with entertainment, aid, and awards at the beachside finish.

Dates, venues, and what’s new

• Dates: Friday to Sunday, December 5–7, 2025, marking 42 years of Run Barbados. The official tourism hub highlights 2025’s wellness focus layered onto the classic three‑day format.
• Core venues: Friday’s opener at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown; Saturday and Sunday at Barclays Park on the East Coast, a scenic base for the 5K, 10K, Half, and Marathon with finish‑line festivities by the sea.
• Wellness component: 2025 introduces a stronger wellness thread across the weekend, complementing racing with warm‑ups, community fitness, and recovery‑minded programming at start areas and finish hubs.

The three‑day agenda at a glance

• Friday, Dec 5 — The Garrison Savannah
• Evening Fun Mile: An 8:00 p.m. mile with juniors and open categories plus costumes and groups, wrapped by on‑site entertainment and prize giving. Food and beverages are available on the grounds starting from 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec 6 — Barclays Park, East Coast
• Entertainment from 2:00 p.m.; warm‑up session at 3:30 p.m.
• 10K starts 4:10 p.m.; 5K starts 4:15 p.m. Finish‑line awards follow; both races include commemorative medals for finishers.
• Sunday, Dec 7 — Barclays Park, East Coast
• Music at 4:45 a.m.; Half Marathon and Marathon start 5:30 a.m. on a coastal out‑and‑back; marathoners complete two laps of the half course; on‑course aid and entertainment provided. Awards and challenge medals are presented post‑race.

Distances, courses, and coastal scenery

• Distances offered: Fun Mile, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon (21.1K), and Marathon (42.2K). Registration tiers for each event are live and categorized for residents and non‑residents.
• Course character: The East Coast route is scenic and historic, with ocean breezes and mostly flat to gently rolling terrain. The out‑and‑back format from Barclays Park makes logistics simple and spectator access easy.
• Start times and climate: Sunset starts for Saturday’s 5K/10K keep temperature manageable, while Sunday’s 5:30 a.m. Half/Marathon gun leverages the coolest window of the day before the sun climbs.

Registration, pricing, and the challenge medal

• How to register: Online registration is open via Race Roster for all events; the series page lists each race with resident and non‑resident pricing and start times.
• Sample fees: The 10K lists Non‑Residents at $87.50 and Residents at $52.50; similar tiers apply across events and may vary by entry window.
• Three‑Day Challenge: Runners who compete all three days earn a special challenge medal, a signature of the weekend that encourages a mile shake‑out, a Saturday tempo, and a Sunday long effort.

Race‑week logistics and on‑site amenities

• Number pickup: The official weekend hub offers online registration and a runner’s guide; onsite packet pickup schedules publish ahead of race week with details for both the Garrison and Barclays Park.
• On‑course support: Aid stations with hydration and nutrition, toilets on course, entertainment elements, chip timing, finisher medals, and event T‑shirts are included by race distance; medical assistance is staged at the finish.
• Entertainment: Friday and Saturday feature music and a beachside after‑party vibe around start/finish lines, bringing family and friends into the festivities.

Training and race‑day tips

• Heat and hydration: December is warm and humid. Pre‑hydrate proactively, add electrolytes, and aim for even pacing on Saturday; for Sunday’s long races, consider a handheld or use frequent aid stations.
• Course strategy: Saturday’s 10K and 5K have quick conditions with limited hills and ocean breezes; Sunday’s Half/Marathon reward disciplined early pacing in the pre‑dawn cool with a negative‑split attempt after sunrise if conditions allow.
• Challenge approach: Treat the Fun Mile as an easy tune‑up, the Saturday 5K/10K as controlled tempo, and the Sunday race as the goal effort to secure the challenge medal without overcooking day two.

Where to stay and how to get around

• Best bases: For Friday night, Bridgetown or the South Coast (Hastings/Worthing) positions runners near the Garrison Savannah. For Saturday/Sunday, staying on the East or Central coasts keeps transfers short to Barclays Park; many runners still day‑trip from the South Coast due to broader hotel options.
• Transfers and parking: Race communications share parking and shuttle notes for the Garrison and Barclays Park. Taxis and ride‑shares are abundant; arrive early, especially for Sunday’s 5:30 a.m. start.
• Extend the break: Combine race morning with a relaxed beach afternoon, a UNESCO Bridgetown and Garrison walk, or an East Coast detour to Bathsheba’s Soup Bowl for surf watching.

Community and culture on course

• Sounds of Barbados: Expect steel pan, tuk bands, and cheering locals to mark the course, a hallmark noted in the event’s global listings.
• Festive vibe: Run Barbados is built on camaraderie; the weekend balances serious competition with island‑style celebration, creating a welcoming atmosphere for first‑timers and PR‑seekers alike.

Who this weekend suits

• Newer runners: The Fun Mile and 5K are forgiving entries with big‑event energy; Saturday’s coastal loop and plentiful support are confidence‑boosters.
• Experienced racers: The 10K offers a quick sunset test; the Half/Marathon combine flat stretches with manageable rollers and solid on‑course aid for a strong winter build result.
• Run‑cation crews: Groups can split distances and enjoy the after‑party at Barclays Park, then reconvene for Sunday’s finish and beach time.

How to finalize plans

• Confirm entries: Lock in races via Race Roster and review the Runner’s Guide for packet pickup, corral times, and course specifics as race week approaches.
• Book lodging: Prioritize proximity to the Garrison for Friday and practical transfers to Barclays Park for the weekend; many choose a South Coast base and taxi or drive for early starts.
• Pack smart: Lightweight kit, breathable singlet, visor, reef‑safe sunscreen, race belt or handheld, and post‑race sandals; bring two pairs of shoes if doing the three‑day challenge.

Verified essentials at a glance

• Dates: December 5–7, 2025.
• Friday: Fun Mile at the Garrison Savannah, 8:00 p.m.; entertainment starts 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 10K at 4:10 p.m.; 5K at 4:15 p.m.; venue Barclays Park; warm‑up 3:30 p.m.; entertainment and after‑party from 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Half Marathon and Marathon at 5:30 a.m.; Barclays Park start/finish; marathon is two laps of the half course.
• Registration: Online via Race Roster; resident and non‑resident pricing; series page lists all events and start times.
• Challenge medal: Awarded to runners who compete on all three days.

Pick a base, choose distances, and get ready for ocean breezes, music on course, and a finish line beside the sea. Run Barbados 2025 is a perfect run‑cation blend of racing and relaxation—register now, plan the three‑day challenge, and answer the starting horn on one of the Caribbean’s most scenic and spirited courses.