The second edition of the KLM Curacao Marathon, organised by the Foundation Run in the Sun, will start in Willemstad, Curacao on Sunday 29 November. Participants have a choice of distances: a 5 km walk or run, a 10 km walk or run, a half or full marathon, or a trail of 10.5 or 16.65 km, respectively. The organisers set themselves the goal of doubling the number of applications compared to last year and are already on track to achieving this with runners currently registered from 30 countries.
The Swinging Old Lady returns on 12 November
The world-famous Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the Swinging Old Lady, is an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage of Curacao. This tourist icon is the most important landmark on the route of four of the KLM Curacao Marathon distances: the 10 km walk & run and the half & full marathon.
The Curacao Ports Authority, which manages the bridge, decided to start the renovations necessary for its future preservation and safety several months ago. A timely re-opening was crucial for the KLM Curacao Marathon and the organisers are delighted that the renovation was finished according to plan.
The official reopening of the Emma Bridge will take place on Thursday 12 November from 16.00 to 18.00. The Foundation Run in the Sun will contribute to the festivities by organising a special short run together with their partners the Curacao Ports Authority and the Curacao Athletic Association. This run will see over 150 participants represent the vibe of the KLM Curacao Marathon.
Programme of the official reopening on 12 November.
17.00 Welcome Managing Director of the Curacao Ports Authority, Humberto de Castro
17.05 Speech Minister of Economic Affairs & Tourism, Stanley Palm
17.12 Official reopening Stanley Palm and Humberto de Castro
The horns of the vessel fleet of tugboat company Kompania di Tou Kòrsou and the Curacao Ports Authority will give the starting shot for 150 runners to run over the Queen Emma Bridge within the framework of the KLM Curacao Marathon. Release of official theme song ‘Run in the Sun’ by Kuenta i Tambu, available on iTunes now ‘Run in the Sun’, the official running song of the upcoming KLM Curacao Marathon, is now available at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/run-in-the-sun-single/id1055108987?ls=1
Kuenta i Tambu
Kuenta i Tambu is Papiamento (the vernacular language spoken in Curacao) for ‘Stories and Drums’. Based in Amsterdam, the group formed in 2005 after a series of educational projects within schools and theatres aimed at introducing children in the Netherlands to the music and culture of Curacao. The first songs were written during this period, establishing the sound and identity of the group. Today, Kuenta i Tambu is known for its high-energy shows, with lots of comical highlights, hypnotising beats and dazzling percussive interplay between band members.
Foundation Run in the Sun
“As a participant in marathons, I noticed that many of us listen to music while running,” says Kees van Muiswinkel, chairman and founder of the Foundation Run in the Sun. “But finding modern running songs is very difficult. ‘Run in the Sun’ is a great tune about keeping going during the last miles of the race, and I’m sure many runners will recognise themselves in it. We are grateful to our creative partners from Kuenta i Tambu and to Mauricia pictures, who made the video clip.”
Dolfijn FM Curacao/Jochem Smid
The first copy of ‘Run in the Sun’ was given to Jochem Smid, DJ at Dolfijn FM who has the nickname Marathon Man and plans to run the half marathon during the KLM Curacao Marathon. Dolfijn FM is the official radio partner of the race, and will provide live reporting. Supporters around the world can follow the radio coverage via www.dolfijnfm.com.
More information:
Registration: Runners can sign up online via klmcuracaomarathon.com.
Runners & walkers in Curacao can also register in person:
- Daily during working hours at the offices of newspaper Amigoe at Scherpenheuvel
- Thursday 5 November at Korredor (17.00 – 20.30)
- Saturday 7 November at Kooyman Zeelandia (09.00 – 14.30)
Please note that participants should register before 12 November if they wish their name to be printed next to the start number on their race bibs. The number of participants is limited to 3,000. Each runner will receive a start number with time registration, a t-shirt, a medal and the marathon app. Results will be available immediately after the finish on the website and via the app.
Another premiere: the free KLM Curacao Marathon app
The KLM Curacao Marathon app provides all the relevant information about the event. A unique feature is the possibility for family, friends and fans around the world to follow their favourite runners in real time via a GPS connection and Track & Trace. Even runners without a smartphone can be followed step by step thanks to the bib tag, a unique chip given to each participant and connected to the start number. The app was developed in cooperation with partner company Mylaps and can be downloaded free via Google Play or the App Store.
Personal finish photo, video and certificate
A new feature this year is that each participant’s personal bib number will be recognised automatically by photo and video cameras along the route. A few days after the race, all participants will receive an email with the opportunity to see and order photos and videos. Each participant in all six distances will receive a personal certificate with their name and running time, compliments of the Foundation Run in the Sun.
Course
The course has been certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance races) and the starting point is the Lions Dive Hotel & Beach Resort. Half and full marathon participants will run along the Curacao waterfront. They will cross the famous Queen Emma Bridge (a pontoon bridge) and the Queen Juliana Bridge, which at 56.4 metres above sea level is one of the highest bridges in the world and not normally accessible to pedestrians. The famous Handelskade quay will also be part of the route.
Start and finish
The evening preceding the event will see a traditional pasta party prepared with the cooperation of Michelin star chef and marathon runner Pascal Jalhay. The finish will be followed by an after-party on one of the island’s most popular beaches, Seaquarium Beach. All are welcome to this true Caribbean festival with local bands and artists.
Organisers
The Foundation Run in the Sun aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among young and old in Curacao. The high quality standard of the marathon has given it considerable appeal to international participants and contributes to the promotion of tourism in Curacao. The KLM Curacao Marathon is organised in cooperation with the Curacao Tourist Board, the Athletics Federation of Curacao, the Safety Team with Curd Evertsz, the Police Department, FKA, Red and Blue Cross, VKC, Brigadadi Seguridad and many others. The numerous volunteers are also crucial to making this event happen. The KLM Curacao Marathon also has a partnership with the Royal Dutch Navy, which will support the trails in particular. The new distance being introduced in 2015, the 16.65 km trail, refers to the year 1665, in which Michiel de Ruyter founded the Netherlands Marine Corps.
Charity
The Foundation Run in the Sun will link the KLM Curacao Marathon 2015 to Run 4 Books!, a charity which aims to encourage children of primary school age in Curacao to read (or read more) by offering them fun children’s books. Runners can make a donation during registration or contribute a new or used children’s book at the front desk of participating hotels. Website: klmcuracaomarathon.com Facebook: facebook.com/klmcuracaomarathon
Contact details: Foundation Run in the Sun: Kees van Muiswinkel – +5999 5218045 info@curacaomarathon.com Curaçao Athletics Federation: Willem Cordilia – +5999 5232332