On Sunday 30 November 2014, Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, will host the first edition of the KLM Curacao Marathon; the first on the island. The running event for people of all ages, schools and businesses will comprise a unique course as well as lots of musical support from start to finish.
Participants in the KLM Curacao Marathon can choose between various distances: 5 k (walk or run), 10 k (walk or run), a half marathon, a full marathon (duo) or a 15 k Trail. The event expects to welcome participants from all over the world.
Course
The event will follow a unique route. The starting point is the Lions Dive & Beach Resort. Participants in the half and full marathon will run along the water of Curacao, over the famous Queen Emma pontoon bridge (‘swinging old lady’), and over the Queen Juliana Bridge – one of the world’s highest bridges at 185 feet above the sea, a route that is normally not open to people on foot. The famous “Handelskade” is also part of the route.
Musical support
It promises to be a vibrant occasion for participants and spectators alike. Radio Dolfijn and Curom Broadcasting will report on the event from start to finish, so that those unable to attend can also follow the developments. An audio license has been granted for the entire trajectory, and hotels along the route, such as the Avila Hotel, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, Hilton Curacao Resort and Kura Hulanda Village & Spa Curacao, as well as the Curacao Tourist Bureau will provide support by means of drinking stations and Caribbean music.
Before and after
The evening before the event there will be a traditional ‘Pasta Party’; the first edition of which is being developed with the support of Michelin star chef and marathon runner Pascal Jalhay, in collaboration with Curacao “Culinair”. The finish and after-party will be celebrated at one of the island’s most popular beaches, in front of the Lions Dive Hotel & Beach Resort. The awards will be presented on a stage floating in the ocean.
Registration
Participants can register online via klmcuracaomarathon.com . Every participant will receive a start number with time registration, a medal and a t-shirt. The results will be available online immediately after the finish. On Saturday 29 November there will also be the Lito Kids’ Run, sponsored by Maduro & Curiel’s Bank.
Organisation
The Run in the Sun Foundation is organising this event in cooperation with the Curacao Tourist Board, Curacao Athletics Association and the Curacao Hospitality and Tourism Association. The Royal Netherlands Navy will support the organisers, with particular emphasis on the 15 km Trail.
The goal of the Foundation is to promote running on Curacao among people of all ages. It believes that the positive influence of sports and running events can contribute to a better relationship between various communities, stimulate a healthier lifestyle, and promote tourism to Curacao. The Board of the Foundation consists of initiator Kees van Muiswinkel, Race Director Wim Verhoorn and Martin Does of Kuoni and Does Travel & Cadushi Tours.
Sponsoring
KLM is the main sponsor of the event as running is a much-loved sport among many of the airline’s most loyal customers. Moreover, the sport is becoming increasingly popular and can be enjoyed by travellers around the world. KLM also values the social role of the event, stimulating young and old to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Moreover, in late 2014, KLM will have been flying to Curacao for 80 years.
Other partners include the Curacao Tourist Board, Curacao Hospitality and Tourism Association, Does Travel & Cadushi Tours, Insel Air, Intertrust, Janssen de Jong Groep, Lions Dive & Beach Resort, Madura and Curiel’s Bank and Kuoni Netherlands.
Charity
In association with the KLM Curacao Marathon 2014, the Run in the Sun Foundation has initiated the charity ‘Run 4 Shoes!’. When registering participants can make a donation, and donate running shoes for Curacao children in all participating hotels.