Inaugural ‘Solomons Airlines Peace Marathon’ set for 23 October 2021
THE Minister for Culture & Tourism, the Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo has today officially launched the inaugural ‘Solomons Airlines Peace Marathon’ scheduled to take place in the nation’s capital on 23 October 2021.
A joint initiative between the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Tourism Solomons, Travel Solomons and Solomon Airlines, the ‘Solomons Airlines Peace Marathon’ will comprise four events – 2K, 5K, 10K races, and a 21.1K Half-Marathon – with a host of attractive prizes to be awarded across a variety of categories.
Adding a fun element to the day, the organizers are encouraging participants to compete wearing fancy dress with a prize going to the best outfit judged in each category.
The Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon forms part of the ongoing ‘Iumi Tugeda’ campaign launched in September 2020 as part of a five-point plan intended to rekindle and sustain the Solomon Islands tourism sector’s fortunes as it looked to adapt to the COVID-19 environment.
While primarily positioned as a social event to bring the people of Honiara and the Provinces together in a fun activity in these uncertain times where the pandemic still dominates the everyday environment, the event is also intended to remind people of the ongoing Solomon Airlines-driven ‘Iumi Tugeda Holiday Program’.
Launched earlier this year, the initiative has played an active role in encouraging Solomon Islanders to holiday in their own backyard in support of our struggling tourism operators affected by ongoing international border closures.
As importantly, the event is also seen as being key in drawing the community’s attention to the celebrations being planned around an event that will once again see the world’s spotlight shine upon the Solomon Islands – the 80thAnniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal which falls in August 2022.
Event Information
The main start/finish point for all events will be the SMI Grounds
Race Categories
2K for Under 15s – Route from SMI to the Children’s Park and return – entry cost $20.00
5K Fun Run – Route from SMI to White River and return – entry cost $30.00
10K Fun Run – Route from SMI to Kakabona and return – entry cost $30.00
21.1KM Half-Marathon – SMI to Boneghe and return – entry cost $50.00
Age Categories
Open (14-39 yrs), Veterans (30-39 yrs), Masters (40-49 yrs), Super-Master (50 yrs plus).
Registration
Registration entry forms are available from Tuesday 14 September at the Art Gallery Exhibition Building.
Source: Visit Solomons
