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REGISTRATION OPEN : UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon and 5K Returns with Focus on Dyslexia

For Release Upon Receipt - September 12, 2024

St. Augustine


 

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – September 12, 2024 – Marathons and half-marathons are a true test of resilience—each mile a testament to perseverance, with the finish line offering the ultimate reward. But for this year, the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon and 5K goes beyond the pursuit of medals or personal records. It’s about something far more meaningful: running with purpose, and making every step count toward a greater cause.

Today, Thursday, 12th September 2024, The UWI St. Augustine Academy of Sport officially launched the 18th edition of The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon and 5K, placing a spotlight on Dyslexia Awareness. In support of the Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago, this year's race, set for Sunday, November 10th, 2024, seeks to raise funds and increase awareness to support the Association's initiatives. To view the official launch video please click here

Race Director Grace Jackson shared the vision behind this year’s marathon: “We are honoured to align The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon with such a meaningful cause. Our partnership with the Dyslexia Association allows us to use the platform of sport to drive social change. Together, we hope to make a real difference for those impacted by dyslexia, while promoting the value of early intervention and specialised support.”

Event coordinator Nadra Dwarika-Baptiste added, “Every year, the team at The UWI St. Augustine works tirelessly to ensure that participants have the best experience possible. From extensive logistical preparations to collaborating with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service for road safety, our priority is always the well-being of our runners.”

Andrew Lewis, Trinbagonian Olympian who lives with dyslexia stated, “When I heard that The UWI SPEC Half Marathon Committee chose Dyslexia as their cause for the year, I was elated to know that not only is there a contribution being given to the society but most importantly, the awareness is being brought to it”.

Dyslexia, which affects 15-20% of the global population, is a language-based learning disorder that can affect reading, writing, and spelling. Despite common misconceptions, dyslexia is not related to intelligence, and with early intervention and structured teaching methods, individuals with dyslexia can thrive in various areas, including sports.

Participants in the half-marathon and the 5K event will don red, the official colour of this year’s race, symbolising solidarity with the cause. By wearing red, athletes and supporters will help raise awareness and encourage open conversations about dyslexia.

Registration Details:

  • Registration Period : Starts on Thursday, 12 September and ends on  Monday, 4 November 2024
  • Race Date: Sunday, 10 November 2024
  • Venue: UWI Sport & Physical Education Centre (SPEC), St. Augustine Campus
  • Half-Marathon Start: 5:00 a.m. | 5K Start: 5:15 a.m.

Participants can register online at https://sta.uwi.edu/spec/marathon/ with the use of credit or international debit cards or via registration vouchers codes available at UWI SPEC. Persons registering for before 2 October, 2024 will have the opportunity to get personalized bibs.  

About the Dyslexia Association

The Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago, founded in 1990, aims to provide support and raise awareness for those affected by dyslexia. Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to read and write, but it is not linked to intelligence. Early intervention, structured teaching methods, and community support are essential for helping individuals with dyslexia reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.dyslexiatt.org.Top of Form

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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