News Releases

UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon & 5K 2025 Champions Alzheimer’s Awareness

For Release Upon Receipt - August 6, 2025

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. August 6th, 2025 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI), through the St. Augustine Academy of Sport, is proud to announce the 19th edition of The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon & 5K, taking place on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at The UWI Sport & Physical Education Centre (SPEC), St. Augustine Campus.

 

 And they're off! : Runners take off at the start of the 2024 International Half-Marathon race hosted at The UWI SPEC on Sunday 10th November, 2024.

This year’s event goes beyond a test of endurance—it's a run with purpose. In partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Alzheimer’s Association (AzATT), the 2025 race shines a light on the realities of Alzheimer’s disease, honours caregivers, and highlights the role of physical activity in promoting brain health and mental well-being. According to researchers at The UWI, nearly one in four Trinbagonians over the age of 70 are affected by this progressive condition, which is the most common form of dementia worldwide.

 

 Tafari Waldron male winner of the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon, completes the 13.1-mile course in one hour, nine minutes, 53 seconds at The UWI SPEC on Sunday 10th November, 2024.

To show support, participants are encouraged to wear purple with a touch of red, the symbolic colours of the Alzheimer’s movement. Furthermore, a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to AzATT to fund public education, caregiver support and outreach initiatives. The cause has also earned the support of Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, Patron of the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

 Samantha Shukla female winner of the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon, completes the 13.1-mile course in one hour, thirty-seven minutes, six seconds at The UWI SPEC on Sunday 10th November, 2024.

The prizes that await top performers include:

  • Half-Marathon (Open/International): USD cash prizes for top 5 finishers in male and female categories, starting at US $1,250 for 1st place winners.
  • UWI Students, Staff & Alumni: TTD cash prizes for top three finishers.
  • Age Group & Special Categories (15–79 years, Physically Challenged, Wheelchair, Special Olympics): $1,000 TTD for 1st place.
  • 5K: Prizes awarded to the top three male and female finishers.

Registration is now open and will close by Sunday, October 9, 2025. Please note that there will be no race day registration.

Registration Fees:

  • Half-Marathon: $220 TTD (Nationals) | $50 USD (Regional/International public community)
  • 5K: $185 TTD (Nationals) | $30 USD (Regional/International)

All participants will receive a finisher’s medal, official race vest and a token bag. Registration must be completed online at https://sta.uwi.edu/spec/marathon.

 

 Dr Anand Rampersad, Former Dean, Faculty of Sport rings the 'personal best' bell at the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon and 5k at The UWI SPEC on Sunday 10th November, 2024.

 

Those without access to a credit or international debit card may purchase voucher codes at UWI SPEC or at Evolution Timing and Event Management Ltd., located in Diamond Vale, Diego Martin. Please be advised that purchasing a voucher code does not complete the registration process; the code must be redeemed online to confirm entry.

Race Package Collection:

Packages can be collected at the Concession Stand behind UWI SPEC from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 19, 2025. Collection hours:

  • Weekdays: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Saturdays: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sundays: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

No packages will be distributed on race day.

If collecting on behalf of another participant, please ensure their name was entered during registration.

Whether you're a veteran runner or a first-time entrant, the 2025 UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon & 5K invites you to run for memory, run for hope and run for change.

 

END

 About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With 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 continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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