Antigua and Barbuda once again solidified its reputation as a premier sports tourism destination as more than 380 registered runners from across the Caribbean, North America and beyond participated in the highly anticipated 10th Annual Run in Paradise Race on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The milestone event attracted an impressive international field of competitors, with runners traveling from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guadeloupe and several other Caribbean islands to take part in what has become one of the region’s most scenic and celebrated road races. Participants competed in the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K categories, with all races culminating along the picturesque shores of Fort James Beach.
Race Director Stanley Humphreys described this year’s staging as one of the most successful in the event’s history, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and international turnout.
“We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for the response this year,” Humphreys stated. “To see so many runners travelling to Antigua specifically for this event speaks volumes about how much Run in Paradise has grown over the last decade.”
Humphreys noted that the largest contingent of overseas participants came from the United States, with nearly 100 runners, including a special group of over 40 runners named _LatinasinMotion_ , as well as more than a dozen runners from Guadeloupe, making the journey to Antigua and Barbuda for the event
Participants repeatedly described the race experience as “beautiful,” “amazing,” and unlike any other destination race in the region. For many returning runners, the combination of challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery and warm Antiguan hospitality continues to make Run in Paradise a standout event on the international running calendar.
This year’s Half Marathon delivered one of the most memorable moments in the race’s history with a new course record being established. Alex Beach of Miami stormed to victory in the 21K event with a blazing time of 1:17:57, setting a new benchmark for the course. Antigua and Barbuda’s own Kamar Thomas delivered an impressive performance to secure second place in 1:20:22.
Meanwhile, the 5K Overall title was captured by Christina Laurent of Guadeloupe, while fellow Guadeloupean Jordan Parraire emerged victorious in the 10K category.
Alex Beach, competing in Antigua and Barbuda for the first time, praised the race as a “super unique experience” and highlighted the island’s natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere as major highlights of the event.
“The course was beautiful the entire race,” Beach shared. “The hills and wind definitely made it challenging, but the early start helped keep the temperatures manageable. By the final 5K, the wind shifted behind us which really helped with the finish. Reaching the beach at the end was an incredible reward after such a tough run.”
Alex also noted that completing the race by 6:20 a.m. allowed participants to fully enjoy the remainder of the day exploring Antigua and Barbuda, describing the event as the perfect blend of athletics and tourism.
The newly crowned champion further expressed his intention to return for future editions of the race and plans to encourage more runners from the United States to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for what he described as an ideal “destination race.”
The event also featured inspiring personal stories from participants, including one runner, Mr. Joseph Emas completing his 165th half marathon and another achieving a personal best after embracing the affirmation, “I will persist until I succeed.”
As Run in Paradise celebrates a decade of growth and achievement, organizers say the event continues to exceed expectations while showcasing Antigua and Barbuda as a world-class destination for sports tourism, wellness and outdoor adventure.
The successful staging of the 10th edition further reinforces the event’s growing international appeal and its contribution to the island’s tourism product, community engagement and active lifestyle culture.