ARCHIVED RACE: Marathon Bahamas @ Junkanoo Beach (start); Arawak Cay (finish), Nassau, Bahamas on 18 January 2015

Perfect ocean breezes, swaying palm trees, and miles of white, sandy beaches caressed by crystalline waters – could there be a better backdrop for a marathon? Held in historic Nassau, the Sunshine Insurance Race Weekend is the ideal international winter running event, and only a 30-minute flight from South Florida.

Athletes from 20 countries and 27 states have flocked to the idyllic island capital for what has become the signature endurance event of the country. The flat, fast 26.2-mile course features the best focal points of the Bahamas with an oceanfront start and finish, stunning cityscapes, historic charm, and miles of unobstructed views of aquamarine water. Kicking off at Junkaboo Beach, marathoners will weave through quaint downtown Nassau, lined with historic buildings, the glitz and glam of Paradise Island, and then hug the northern Shores of Cable Beach before crossing the finish line at Arawak Cay. Ensuring racers are properly fueled, the well-supported course will be lined with music and stocked aid stations at every mile.

All participants receive a technical race shirt, runner swag bag, commemorative finisher medal, and access to an awesome post-race beach party where fatigued finishers can load up on great food, cold beer, and music. Awards will be presented to the overall winners and top three finishers per age group, and all registered racers can test their luck in the random drawings for incredible prizes like a two-night stay at The Cove, Atlantis.