Running around the Caribbean — Literally!

What’s better than being in the Caribbean? Running around it!

In the last couple of years amateur athletes have jumped on the “runcation” trend, combining so-called destination races with vacation time for an active getaway. And in the Caribbean, these events are a fun and challenging means of experiencing an island in an up-close and authentic way that you just can’t from inside a tour bus or taxi.

So if you're currently training for a fall or spring race, consider adding these events to your calendar, and see the sights as you chase a PR along a palm-fringed path, no cold-weather gear required. And if you're new to running, what better motivation to get in shape for your first 5k, 10k, half-marathon or longer race than the breezy byways of the Caribbean? Ready? Set. Run!

September 10-12: Nevis Running Festival

It’s hard to imagine running long distances on an island with just 22 miles of coastline, but organizers have plotted scenic out-and-back 10k, half and marathon courses that maximize views of Nevis Peak, the mist-crowned dormant volcano in the island’s center.

• The Course: Expect rolling hills, village views and coastal vistas on the 10k, half and marathon, which all begin in the capital, Charlestown. The 5k, held on the grounds of the Four Seasons resort, is mostly flat. 
• The Swag: Finishers get a race T-shirt and medal. Winners’ trophies are hand-carved from stone by a local artist.
• How to Get There: American Airlines, Delta and US Airways fly into Nevis’ sister island, St. Kitts (SKB). From there it’s a 40-minute ferry or 7-minute water taxi ride to Nevis. Seaborne Airlines, Tradewind Aviation and Cape Air fly directly into Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International (NEV) from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Winair runs service from St. Maarten.
• Where to Stay: Four Seasons Nevis, Mount Nevis hotel and Oualie Beach Resort are offering runners’ rates. Paradise Beach Villas is a good choice for groups.
• Website: nevismarathon.com

October 4: Martinique Semi-Marathon

Party with around 2,000 other competitors in the Race Village for three nights before the 5k, 10k, and half marathon races, then run off all that rum punch during the 31st edition of this French-Caribbean classic.

• The Course: The out-and-back route is mostly flat, starting from Fort St Louis in the capital, Fort-de-France, and following the coastline. You'll pass City Hall and Aimé Césaire Cultural Park along the way.
• The Swag: Winners take home at total of 3,700 euros in cash; each finisher gets a race T-shirt and medal
• How to Get There: Fly nonstop from Miami into Aimé Césaire International (FDF) on American Airlines or via San Juan with Seabourne Airlines.
• Where to Stay: Check out La Suite Villa (actually a hotel) and La Pagerie in Trois Ilets, the island’s tourist hub.
• Website: semi-martinique.com (Be warned, the site is in French only)

November 29: KLM Curaçao Marathon

Organizers say that runners from more than 20 countries have already registered for this second annual series of races, which includes a 5k and 10k run/walk; a trail 10.5k and 16.65k; half marathon and marathon.

• The Course: The half and marathon courses take runners across the capital’s iconic Queen Emma swimming pontoon bridge. Start your hill training now because the route also includes the Juliana Bridge, one of the highest in the world at 185 feet above sea level.
• The Swag: Finisher’s medal and race T-shirt
• How to Get There: Hop non-stop flights into Curaçao International (CUR) from the U.S. on American Airlines and JetBlue.
• Where to Stay: Hotel partners include Lion’s Dive & Beach Resort, Avila Hotel, Hilton Curaçao and Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort.
• Website: klmcuracaomarathon.com

December 5: Reggae Marathon, Jamaica

Now in its 15th year, this popular Jamaican event kicks off in the pre-dawn hours with tiki torches and Rastafarian drummers at the start line, and features reggae music at every mile.

• The Course: The mostly flat 10k, half marathon and marathon courses run into town and back, ending on Negril’s famous beach with a legendary finish line-party.
• The Swag: A commemorative T-shirt, certificate and medal for all finishers; more than $10,000 total prize money for winners.
• How to Get There: Almost every US carrier offers flights into Sangster International (MBJ). From there it’s about an hour’s drive to Negril.
• Where to Stay: Go all-inclusive at RIU, Couples or Beaches resorts. Rock House, Tensing Pen and Idle Awhile are good boutique hotel options.
• Website: reggaemarathon.com