media_artricles :: 2017

Champs to defend titles at UWI SPEC Half-Marathon

The 14th running of the UWI SPEC (University of the West Indies Sports and Physical Education Centre) International Half-Marathon takes place on October 29 and will feature some of last year's champions trying to defend their titles. 

Among them are Hillary Kiptanui Too of Kenya (men) and Yeisy Alverez of Venezuela (women).

UWI St Augustine Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Brian Copeland, said, "The UWI SPEC Half-Marathon brand is maturing. Its stability and good organisation have made it a flagship event on the University's annual calendar. As a runner or spectator, it's not to be missed."

In continuing the event's tradition of adopting a cause, this year the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society will receive a donation from proceeds of the event. In supporting and showcasing the work of the Cancer Society, the UWI community is aiming to bring more preventative attention to this deadly disease. There will be a minimum of 20 cancer survivors participating in the 2017 race. Health and wellness for all has always been the goal of UWI SPEC and the International Half-Marathon has been one of the mediums for promoting healthy lifestyles. 

The First Citizens Group will continue its association and part sponsorship of the UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon. Jason Julien, Deputy CEO of Business Generation at First Citizens, said that, "our collaboration with the UWI SPEC team speaks to our commitment to the various charities they support. The partnership also allows us to exercise engagement strategies by a sport platform which fosters holistic individual, community and national development through active lifestyle choices and healthy living."

Race Director, UWI SPEC's Lystra Francis confirmed that registration will open today and run until October 6. She anticipates that package distribution will take place from October 9-20. Registration can be done online at www.sta.uwi.edu/spec/marathon/register.php. Registrants will require a credit card or international debit card to make registration payments online. If interested persons do not have either option, First Citizens continues to support by accepting registration fees from participants who do not have access to credit cards. They will receive a letter containing a registration code, which they can use to register online. Package collection for participants will take place at UWI SPEC from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9 am to 1 pm on weekends. Additional race updates and announcements will be made over the next few days.

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