End of an era: Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon retired after 42 years

The famed Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon (TTIM) has been retired after 42 years.

A statement from the TT Marathon Committee on November 7 said  not only would the 2025 edition be cancelled, but the race in its entirety is no more.

“The TT Marathon Committee (TTMC) came into reality when one of the race’s significant sponsors pulled out in 2009,” the statement read.

It added that the semi-new but experienced team who were co-ordinating the race management and technical aspects of the race for several years took over full race organisation, from 2009 onward.

“The TTIM has been without a major sponsor for several years. It is no longer possible to bring an event of this magnitude to life year after year. There have been many milestones and records made, and foreigners from over 30 countries of the world competing on Trinbago soil raising the level of our runners and empowering them to train harder and smarter.”

However, over the past few years, the major prizes have had to be reduced to accommodate other expenses needed to support the race.

The committee thanked companies and service providers such as the Defence Force (including Coast Guard and PTI), the police service, Red Cross, St John's Ambulance Brigade, Port of Spain General Hospital doctors, Blue Waters, Subway, the Achievement Centre, water-stop volunteers, and “die-hard members of the TTMC and many others who were there from inception. You made it all happen. Thank you and to the runners who have persevered.”

A team of sporting icons and others, including Raffique Shah, started this historic event, whose  42nd edition was held in 2024.

The TTMC team kept the legacy alive for an additional 15 years after 2009.
“However with times changing and resources becoming ever more difficult to obtain, it has become necessary to retire its organisation.”