Sandals to Sandals 10K
Sandals Resorts International is most often known for their spectacular vacation accommodations in the Caribbean. They offer cozy rooms overlooking pristine beaches and wonderful cuisine with tropical drinks that is all included. They are fabulous, trust me. I’ve tested them out a few times.
Each time we travel to the Caribbean I become more and more interested in the work the company is doing with local schools and charities. They are always accepting donations from travelers of learning tools and dental care items for educational programs they are sponsoring in schools.
Earlier this year, marked the launch of the Sandals Foundation. Working as the philanthropic arm of the resort chain, the goal of this group is to raise funds to support efforts focused on community, education and environment throughout the Caribbean. The foundation supports projects and programs of charities and individuals who work in these three main areas which encompass such causes as crime and violence, health, community farming, education through scholarships and marine ecosystems.
I was thrilled to see that fitness events are part of their methods for raising much needed funds. On March 29th the Sandals Foundation hosted an all-day Spinathon at a locally based fitness center in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Participants cycled for one hour sessions from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm raising JA$1.8 million (about US$20,271).
A few years ago, prior to the launch of the foundation, while traveling in St. Lucia I heard about the Sandals to Sandals 10K. During this event participants run from the Sandals Halcyon resort to the Sandals Grande St. Lucian resort on the island of St. Lucia reaching a 10K distance to raise money for local charities.
This event is still going strong today with this year’s date tentatively set for November 29th. The 10K draws about 1500 participants raising US$3,500 and attracts champion runners from around the Caribbean. Many charities are supported through the dollars raised. Some examples include Dunnottar School St. Lucia, the St. Lucia Association for Persons with Disabilities (SLAPD) and the Child Development and Guidance Centre.
If you happen to be in the Caribbean this coming November be sure to look up the event. Do you ever come across any great charity fitness events during your international travels? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
Top photo courtesy of the Sandals Foundation. Bottom photo Sandals Grande St. Lucian by Lori Rice.
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