39th St. Martin Day Around the Island Relay Race Set for November 11

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Road Runners will host the 39th edition of the St. Martin Day Around the Island Relay Race on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, bringing together hundreds of runners, supporters and volunteers from both sides of the island for one of St. Maarten's longest-running sporting traditions.

The annual event will begin at 7:00am at the Bel Air Fitness Center, which will also serve as the finish line. Participating teams will complete a counterclockwise circuit around the island, passing through communities on both the Dutch and French sides.

Each team will consist of 11 runners, with the course divided into 11 legs of varying distances and difficulty levels. Each participant will complete one leg before passing the baton to the next teammate at a designated exchange point. Teams must include at least two runners of the opposite sex, and each participant is permitted to run only one leg.

The relay traditionally attracts running clubs, businesses, organizations, groups of friends and recreational athletes. While some teams compete for the fastest overall time, others participate for the challenge, camaraderie and experience of completing a full circuit of the island.

Now approaching its fourth decade, the event has become part of the island's St. Martin Day celebrations, promoting physical fitness, teamwork and unity between the two sides of the island.

Organizers are encouraging residents to come out along the route to support the participating teams and contribute to the atmosphere surrounding the annual competition.

The St. Maarten Road Runners expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners supporting this year's event, including DIVICO/Heineken 0.0, Saint Martin Cars, SMTA, Tackling Law, Pro Physio St. Maarten, RYU!, Tortuga Maho, Bel Air Fitness Center, Heavenly Water, We Are SXM, Tri-Sport, Mood!, Driven Media, Super U and NEC Distribution.

The organization also acknowledged the many volunteers whose contributions help ensure the successful staging of the relay each year.

Teams interested in participating are encouraged to register through the St. Maarten Road Runners' official website.

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