Run in Paradise Celebrates 10 Years with Record Performances and International Turnout
More than 380 runners from across the Caribbean, North America and Europe converged in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday for the 10th Annual Run in Paradise Race, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.
The milestone event attracted participants from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guadeloupe and several other Caribbean islands, all competing in the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K categories. The races concluded along the scenic coastline at Fort James Beach.
Race Director Stanley Humphreys described the anniversary staging as one of the most successful editions in the history of the event.
“We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for the response this year,” Humphreys said. “To see so many runners travelling to Antigua specifically for this event speaks volumes about how much Run in Paradise has grown over the last decade.”
Humphreys revealed that the largest overseas contingent came from the United States, with nearly 100 runners participating, including a group of more than 40 runners known as LatinasinMotion. Guadeloupe also recorded a strong presence with more than a dozen competitors making the trip to Antigua and Barbuda.
Participants praised the race for its breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain and welcoming atmosphere, with many describing it as one of the region’s standout destination races.
The Half Marathon delivered one of the event’s biggest highlights as Miami runner Alex Beach shattered the course record with a winning time of 1:17:57 in the 21K category. Antigua and Barbuda’s Kamar Thomas secured an impressive second-place finish in 1:20:22.
Guadeloupean runners also dominated other categories, with Christina Laurent capturing the overall 5K title while Jordan Parraire claimed victory in the 10K race.
Beach, who competed in Antigua and Barbuda for the first time, described the experience as unforgettable.
“The course was beautiful the entire race,” he said. “The hills and wind definitely made it challenging, but the early start helped keep the temperatures manageable. Reaching the beach at the end was an incredible reward after such a tough run.”
He added that the event offered the perfect combination of athletics and tourism, noting that finishing early allowed runners the opportunity to enjoy the island for the remainder of the day.
Beach also expressed plans to return for future editions and said he intends to encourage more runners from the United States to participate in what he called an ideal “destination race.”
Beyond the elite performances, the event featured several inspiring personal milestones, including one participant completing his 165th half marathon and another achieving a personal best after embracing the affirmation, “I will persist until I succeed.”
As the event marks its 10th anniversary, organizers say Run in Paradise continues to grow beyond a local road race into a major international sporting attraction that promotes wellness, community engagement and tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.
It was a great and well attended event. Congratulations to all who participated and won