GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Professional and amateur athletes from CARICOM member states and associate members will compete in the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on Sunday, 5 July 2026, in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from 6:30 a.m. EST.
The Run/Walk will commence and conclude in the vicinity of the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, located in the Rodney Bay area at the northern end of the island.
The events are an Elite 10K (for professional athletes sponsored by member states), Open 10K, Open 5K Run and Open 5K Walk. People with disabilities are invited to participate in the 5K Run and Walk events.
The Road Run/Walk is one of the parallel events of the upcoming 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of heads of government of CARICOM, convened under the chairmanship of Philip J. Pierre, prime minister of Saint Lucia.
In 2007, CARICOM heads of government adopted the landmark Port-of-Spain Declaration, affirming their commitment to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the Region.
Recognising the urgent need for action, they endorsed integrated strategies for prevention and control and championed a whole-of-society approach. This framework called for collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners, reflecting a shared determination to halt the NCD epidemic in one of the most affected regions of the Americas.
CARICOM secretary-general Dr Carla Barnett highlighted the critical role of the Run/Walk to the regional initiative in tackling NCDs.
“The CARICOM Run/Walk demonstrates our collective commitment to healthier lifestyles. By choosing nutritious foods and staying active, we can confront the shared challenge of non-communicable diseases and create a healthier, more resilient Caribbean for all,” the secretary-general said.
The Elite 10K will feature cash prizes of USD 1,000 each for the first-place male and female finishers. Second- and third-place winners in both categories will also receive cash awards.
In the 5K events, trophies will be presented to the top three finishers in the male, female, and people with disabilities categories. Special recognition will also be given to the oldest and youngest male and female participants who complete the Run.
In 2025, the 18th CARICOM Road Race 10K event was held in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica.