The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), organisers of the 2025 Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend scheduled for December 5–7, today announced adjustments to several race routes for this year’s event.
Due to ongoing road works along the Ermie Bourne Highway, the 5K Run & Walk, 10K Run, Half Marathon, and Marathon—previously slated to start at Barclays Park—will now begin at the Bay Street Esplanade, St. Michael. The popular Fun Mile will remain unchanged and will continue to take place at the Garrison Savannah as previously advertised.
Manager, Sports at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Kamal Springer, explained that the organisers carefully considered the logistical challenges posed by the road construction and, after consultation with all relevant authorities, decided to return the race routes to the Bay Street circuit.
“Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend still promises to be a fantastic experience for all involved. This was not a decision we took lightly, and we understand it may be an adjustment for some.
“However, this shift ensures that the event can be executed efficiently while maintaining the quality of experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators. We want to reassure all of our partners that we are committed to delivering an outstanding event, and we encourage everyone, runners and spectators, to join us,” Springer said.
The Run Barbados series started with only the Bridgetown 10K and the Marathon and for many years, the 10km started and finished at the beautiful Bay Street Esplanade.
This year’s events will be as follows:
Friday, 5th December 2025: Fun Mile
• The course begins at the Clock Tower and proceeds along the outer perimeter road of the Garrison Savannah.
Saturday, 6th December 2025: 5K Run & Walk and 10K Run
5K Run and Walk
The route begins on Bay Street Road and proceeds towards Wharf Road via the lift bridge (Chamberlain Bridge), continuing along Princess Alice Highway in the direction of the entrance to the Port of Bridgetown. Runners will turn around near Pelican Island, then turn left onto Mortuary Road and right towards Cheapside Market and Lower Broad Street.
The course continues along Broad Street to the traffic lights at Marhill Street, crossing the Constitution Bridge and passing along Golden Square Freedom Park. The final stretch turns left onto Bay Street, concluding at the Esplanade.
10K Run
The 10K Run follows the same course as the 5K Run & Walk up to the Princess Alice Highway.
• From there, runners will turn right onto Prescod Boulevard, proceeding toward The Shallow Draught. At the traffic lights, the course continues left onto Mighty Grynner Highway with a turnaround point adjacent to the A&T Marine Building. Participants will then proceed south back towards the traffic lights and continue along Fontabelle Road, passing Cheapside Market. The remainder of the course follows the 5K route to the finish line at the Bay Street Esplanade.
Sunday, 7th December 2025: Half Marathon and Marathon
The Half Marathon and Marathon will follow the same initial course as the 10K Run. However, instead of turning around on the Mighty Grynner Highway, runners will continue north to the Frank Walcott roundabout at the bottom of University Hill, and proceed onto Highway 1, passing through Fitts Village and Holders Hill.
The turnaround point will be located near The St. James Hotel. The return route will mirror the outbound path, going south to the traffic lights at Holborn Junction, where runners will turn right onto President Kennedy Drive. The course then leads towards Princess Alice Highway and into Bridgetown via Hincks Street. Runners will turn right at the James Fort Building, continue along Wharf Road, cross the lift bridge, and proceed onto Bay Street, concluding at the Start/Finish area at Bay Street Esplanade.
Full Marathon participants will complete two full loops of the above course.
Now in its 42nd year, the annual premier sporting event has evolved to incorporate exciting wellness elements alongside the renowned marathon activities that remain at the heart of the festival.
The Wellness Weekend Activities:
This year, the festival is expanding beyond the races to include a full weekend dedicated to wellness and relaxation. While some participants take on the courses, others can slow their pace and enjoy a variety of wellness experiences set against Barbados’ most serene backdrops. The Wellness Weekend features:
- Yoga, breathwork, and guided meditations
- Spa treatments and healthy food options
- Moonlight Hike at Walkers Reserve (December 4)
- Full Moon Hike with bonfire and ginger rum tasting at Coco Hill (December 5)
- Rainforest bath and yoga at Naniki
- Family adventures at Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary (Kids’ Package)
- Pilates sessions with Trident Pilates
- Special spa and wellness discounts at Colony Club Resort and Waves Resort & Spa (25% off select treatments and spa vouchers)
- Additional wellness and cultural offerings at attractions such as Gun Hill Signal Station, Welchman Hall Gully, and Barbados Museum
Exclusive packages are available for families, wellness seekers, and those looking to explore Barbados’ unique natural and cultural sites. Offers are valid from December 4–9, 2025, for treatments or activities during these dates.
Whether you’re a professional or amateur athlete, a casual walker, wellness enthusiast, or simply looking to support your favourite runner or soak up the atmosphere, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness festivities.
To learn more about this event, please visit https://www.visitbarbados.org/runbarbados-marathon-weekend