News Releases

The 14^th running of The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon takes place on Sunday October 29 this year and will feature some of last year’s champions trying to defend their titles. Among them are Hillary Kiptanui Too and Yeisy Alverez, Winsbert Winchester of Saint Lucia, Richer Pérez of Cuba, (placed 2^nd in 2016) Kenneth Rotich of Kenya, (placed 2^nd in 2015) and Leah Kigen of Kenya (winner in 2011). 

UWI St. Augustine Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Brian Copeland said, “The UWI SPEC Half-Marathon brand is maturing. Its stability and good organisation have made it a flagship event on the University’s annual calendar. As a runner or spectator, it’s not to be missed.”

In continuing the event’s tradition of adopting a cause, this year the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society will receive a donation from proceeds of the event. In supporting and showcasing the work of the Cancer Society, The UWI community is aiming to bring more preventative attention to this deadly disease. There will be a minimum of 20 cancer survivors participating in the 2017 race. Health and Wellness for all has always been the goal of UWI SPEC and the International Half-Marathon has been one of the mediums for promoting healthy lifestyles.    

The First Citizens Group will continue its association and part sponsorship of The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon. Jason Julien, Deputy CEO of Business Generation at First Citizens said that, “our collaboration with The UWI SPEC team speaks to our commitment to the various charities they support. The partnership also allows us to exercise engagement strategies by a sport platform which fosters holistic individual, community and national development through active lifestyle choices and healthy living.”

Race Director, UWI SPEC’s Lystra Francis confirmed that registration will open on September 11 till October 6. She anticipates that package distribution will take place from October 9 to 20. Registration can be done online at www.sta.uwi.edu/spec/marathon/register.php. Registrants will require a credit card or international debit card to make registration payments online. If interested persons do not have either option, First Citizens continues to support by accepting registration fees from participants who do not have access to credit cards. They will receive a letter containing a registration code, which they can use to register online. Package collection for participants will take place at UWI SPEC from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on weekends. Additional race updates and announcements will be made over the next 14 days. 

For further queries, please contact UWI SPEC at (868) 645-9239 or (868) 662-2002 ext. 83771, 82660, 83556 or 83571 or e-mail specinfo@sta.uwi.edu.