NASSAU, Bahamas, Aug. 3, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A record number of participants is expected to hit the roads for Run for Pompey, the event set for October in Exuma celebrating Bahamian history, culture and sport, according to organizers and Tourism officials who revealed details today at a press conference at BAF Headquarters, Independence Drive, Nassau.

"The Ministry of Tourism is very pleased to lend its support to the 2nd Annual Run for Pompey," said Ellison 'Tommy' Thompson, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Tourism. "Pompey is one of our first national heroes, so it's appropriate that this Run will be held on National Heroes Day. Run for Pompey has all the elements of a Tourism winner, opportunities to bring visitors and locals together for a weekend of activities that brings focus to Exuma's unique history and stunning beauty."

More than 200 participants from several countries took part in the inaugural Run for Pompey last year and officials believe this year's event, set for October 7-9 and expected to add at least 600 room nights during Exuma's typically slow period, will draw even more.

This is the second year that BAF Financial & Insurance Limited serves as title sponsor. "At BAF, our goal is to assist in providing platforms that exemplify healthy lifestyles, wholesome activities and encourage family participation," said BAF Vice President and COO Sandy Morley. "When we can be part of a community sports event like Run for Pompey, that pays tribute to a courageous hero who helped shape our history while raising scholarship funds for a deserving Exumian student, it hits all the right notes. We are very pleased to be aboard once again."

Olympian 'Golden Girl' and Exuma descendent Pauline Davis-Thompson is event patron and, Grand Isle Villas and Resort will serve as host hotel offering special rates for participants and social activities in conjunction with the marathon series, entertainment, food and festivities. In addition to BAF and GIV, other sponsors include the Ministry of Tourism and Diane Phillips & Associates.

Set for Georgetown, the largest settlement in Exuma and accessible by direct flights or through Nassau, Run for Pompey's race day Saturday, October 8 features a 2K "George Town Dash", 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon and the only 50K ultra-marathon in The Bahamas.

The Run for Pompey luring guests to Exuma in October also coincides with the Ministry's "Bahamas Love" calendar, a year of romance with a different focus each month, noted the Deputy Director General.

"October," said Davis-Thompson, "is Romantic Getaways month and what more romantic place than Exuma?"

Now going into its second year, the race weekend Run for Pompey has become a highlight in The Bahamas sports tourism calendar that uplifts the memory of Pompey, the 32-year-old slave who led a rebellion and stopped the transfer order of some 77 people, which would have separated men, women and children from their families.

Visit www.runforpompey.com for more information and to register.
 
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The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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