Eco-Friendly Marathon to unify Seychellois and visitors

The Seychelles islands are set to host its annual Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon for the year 2012, which will take place on February 26.

The Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon has been taking place in Seychelles since 2008. It was initiated by Mr. Dong Chang Jeong, the Seychelles Honorary Consul General for South Korea, who is also head of the Seychelles Tourist Office in Korea. The event was conceived to contribute to Seychellois’ health and to unify Seychellois and visitors. The marathon indeed helps to bring Seychelles to the attention of more travelers and contributes to lifting the Seychelles brand around the world. For the 5th edition, the islands can expect to receive some 300 overseas participants, on top of several hundred local participants.

On Sunday, February 26, runners of the 5th edition of the Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon will set off from Beau Vallon on the main island of Mahe at 7:00 am, covering the northern and northeastern areas of the main island, as well as its capital, Victoria.

As for the structure of the marathon, there is something for a wide range of fitness levels. This follows the philosophy of the Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon that it is to spread the focus beyond mere competition, putting equal emphasis on appreciating exercise and being surrounded by the natural beauty of Seychelles.

Medals and prizes of a range of values are to be awarded to the top five category winners, and all participants who complete the race shall be awarded a T-shirt in addition to their Official Time Certificate.

The Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon is recognized internationally through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) label. It is organized jointly by the National Sports Council, Seychelles Tourism Board, and INOCEAN M&C (South Korean company headed by Mr. Dong Chang Jeong), which is also the main sponsor for the event.

The deadline for entry is the January 31 for overseas participants and February 15 for local participants. For entries from outside Seychelles, contact National Sports Council at [email protected] or INOCEAN M&C at [email protected] for registration. Local participants are advised to register in person at the National Sports Council.

On the same evening, a Korean Night event will be hold at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotel where one may savor genuine Korean cuisine and culture with some 500 guests. Here, a prize-giving ceremony for marathon and half-marathon winners will coincide.