On Sunday April 6, 2008, athletes from Bonaire and overseas completed the 1st Annual BWC Half Marathon and 7K + 14K Fun Run. Runners started at Eden Beach Resort and ran the course around the city of Kralendijk. The total distance of the race course was 7.1 km which followed the beautiful ocean road of Kaya Playa Lechi through the town pear. After running that section, participants ran through some of the main streets of the town of Bonaire such as Kaya Simon Bolivar, Kaya Korona and Kaya Amsterdam.

In the half marathon class MEN (21.3 Km), Rik Roozenburg made a new record for himself crossing the finish line first after 1: 22: 27. Derek Jan Methorst finished second in 1:48:19. In the half marathon class WOMEN, Maria Schuttpelz (only woman in this class) completed the half marathon in 2:01:47.

In the 14.2 Km MEN Fun Run class, first place was for Mick Schmit who crossed the finish line after 1:10:31. Second place was for Jack Jonkers who finished after 1:29:00. These were only two participants in this class.

In the 14.2 Km WOMEN Fun Run class, first place was for Annemiek Le Noble who crossed the finish line aft er 1:16:11. Second place was for Linda Baker who completed the 14.2 km in 1:37:00. These were only two women in this class.

In the 7 Km MEN Fun Run class, first place was for Gregor Zweers who completed the 7.1 K run course in 0:38:30. Second place was for Andrea Magni who crossed the finish line 1 minute and 40 seconds later. Brett Schuttpelz finished third 6 minutes and 22 seconds after Andrea.

In the 7 Km WOMEN Fun Run class, first place was for Simone Zweers who completed the 7.1 K run course in 0:38:46. Second place was for Mirella Boom who crossed the finish line 1 minute and 24 seconds later. Linda Grotenbreg finished third 7 minutes and 53 seconds after Mirella.

In the 7 Km Kids Fun Run class, first place was for Mikel Schreuders who completed the 7.1 K run course in 0:47:01. Second place was for Kevin Grotenbreg who crossed the finish line 12 minute and 13 seconds later. Alejandro de Lima finished third running the course in 1:01:27.

Miguel Angel Brito from Bonaire Wellness Connexions invites everyone to participate in the next race in 2009. He advises, "You have one year to train for it and all you need to do to complete a half marathon is to dedicate yourself for 12 weeks leading up to your race. Simply follow a day-by- day training schedule for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced runner. These training schedules will be available on my website www.bonairewellness.com later this year. And if you would rather walk the 7K, 14K or the half marathon than run it, I've created a special program for you also available online".

Congratulations to all who participated in the 2008 BWC Half Marathon, 14K & 7K Fun Run! This sport event was organized by Bonaire Wellness Connexions.
If you need more information please call or email us: Tel. +599 717 3637
Cel: +599 785 0767. Email:info@bonairewellness.com
www.BonaireWellness.com