21 kilometers: 300 runners for the inaugural race

Neither a half-marathon nor a traditional road race, the first edition of the Saint-Barthélemy 21K promises to be a unique sporting event—so much so that it has attracted more than 300 runners. So, at dawn this Sunday, May 10, a swarm of athletes and enthusiasts will set off on a run of varying lengths, depending on their fitness level, but undoubtedly among the most intense.
While naturally enthusiastic, Théo Estasse, head of the sports department at the Territorial Collectivity, makes no secret of his eagerness.

A waiting list
“It’s looking good,” he says. While some participants will come from Saint Martin and a handful of others are U.S. or Canadian citizens, the vast majority of registrants are island residents. “It’s still very local,” confirms Théo Estasse. “There will be about a hundred women and two hundred men.” While the number of participants has been limited, the information session scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. to present the course in detail to the runners will also be an opportunity to distribute entry tickets to those on the waiting list. How many tickets? “We’ll know once the bibs are assigned,” explains Théo. “If anyone doesn’t show up, the bibs will be reassigned. It’s nicer to do it this way.” Especially for those disappointed participants who weren’t able to register in time or who found out too late that their online registration wasn’t processed. “There will certainly be some participants without race numbers,” predicts the head of the sports department. In any case, everyone will need to be ready to go as soon as the sun comes up.

A shuttle and some surprises
Indeed, the race will start at 5:30 a.m. at La Pointe. “A shuttle service will be available starting at 4 a.m. from the stadium for participants,” says Théo Estasse. “This will prevent congestion at La Pointe.” More than fifty volunteers will be stationed along the entire course to ensure the runners’ safety and, if necessary, guide them. At the aid stations as well, of course: at the Saint-Jean stadium and at the end of the Saline Beach parking lot. Local police will also be present at the roundabouts. In addition, the head of the sports department announces that surprises will await participants at various points along the course. Such as musical performances.
“Everything is set to go,” says Théo Estasse, who estimates that the first runner or runners should cross the finish line as early as 6:45 a.m. Many others will still be in the thick of the race. Because the race will be no walk in the park. Notably due to its unique features: participants will have to run across the sand at Saint-Jean Beach and climb up to the lighthouse. No small feat for athletes accustomed to running only on roads.
So the date is set for Sunday at dawn. For a unique event in an exceptional setting.