Cruise to Runners at starting point in last year's race. (Cruise to Run Photo courtesy of Photogenesis)
The bookshelves at Antigua & Barbuda Public Library are to be bumped up by about 180 publications today, when a corresponding number of cruise ship passengers each donates one volume to the institution, which will be accepted by Chief Librarian Ryllis Mannix.
The passengers, who arrive on Princess Cruise Lines’ Caribbean Princess, will also be participating in the annual “Cruise to Run” event, an initiative of Canadian couple Jerry and Jody Friesen, who are professional runners.
Local Cruise to Run organisers, Hurricane Power Athletics Club, sponsors Subway, and official partners Antigua Pier Group, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Ministry of Tourism, will be on hand at the Heritage Quay Pier at 7 am to welcome the runners, a release said.
The activity is planned as follows: after a brief presentation in front of Subway’s Redcliffe Street branch, the runners will travel, via Market Street, to Multipurpose Centre at Perry Bay for the start of the run.
Motorists are asked to note that the area of Redcliffe Street between Corn Alley and Market Street will be closed to traffic from 7 to 8 am to accommodate the runners.
A police outrider will lead the runners along the course that will take them through the streets of St John’s and Grays Green community, Five Islands, and The Royal Antiguan Resort, and end at Fort Barrington.
Pedestrians, motorists and schoolchildren are encouraged to greet the runners and cheer them on as they make their way through the streets of Antigua & Barbuda.
From noon, the group of runners will be hosted by Antigua Hash House Harriers, and will be treated to a hash of the most picturesque parts of the island. They will push off from Ffryes Beach and ascend the surrounding hills to take in the stunning views of the southwest coast, then run along some of Antigua’s best beaches.
The group will also enjoy a little “down time,” socialising with hash members around a bar and barbecue. The hash is open to all, so anyone wishing to join the walk and run with the Hash House Harriers is most welcome.
This is the third year that Cruise To Run is being held in Antigua & Barbuda. The event gives runners from as far away as England, Canada, Bermuda and the United States the unique opportunity to not only participate in the sport they love, but to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the destination.
Other destinations on the ship’s Cruise to Run itinerary include San Juan, St Thomas, Tortola, Dominica and Barbados.
To learn more about Cruise to Run, please visit www.cruisetorun.com
