More than a decade after friends who ran together launched a race in Exuma that would showcase the beauty of the coast while raising money for scholarships, and after 11 years of making the dream that started on a paper napkin a reality, founders of the now famous Run for Pompey announced they are passing the baton to a team eager to take the reins.
“Today, we, the founders of Run for Pompey are pleased to announce that we have crossed the finish line in management of what began as a humble dream and turned into a major landmark event on the Exuma calendar. While we announce that we are stepping back, we are delighted to advise that the award-winning public relations and event planning firm of Diane Phillips & Associates, best known as DPA, has accepted our invitation to stay the course and has committed to promote, manage and grow the Exuma half-marathon and related activities,” said Jeff Todd founded Run for Pompey along with fellow runner Kevin Taylor.
“We are delighted that DPA accepted our invitation to manage this race that has become a signature event for the local community and a boost for tourism. DPA has not only been a consistent sponsor for 11 years, but its Chief Operating Officer (COO) is an avid runner, another member of its graphics team is a former triathlete and every member of the firm has personally offered to bring a new element to the Run. It is marathon match that has the perfect track record and can handle the course going forward.”
Funds raised by Run for Pompey have helped 13 deserving students from Exuma pursue a college education at the University of The Bahamas.
DPA said the race would take a pause during this transition year.
“We are honoured to be selected to carry on the great work that has become a tradition in Exuma, bringing hundreds of students and locals out to run, walk or push along with competitors from as far away as Australia,” said DPA COO Paula Welch.
“While Exumians will feel a loss this year – and we know how emotionally attached they are to this event for the sense of community it brings – we want to assure everyone that Run for Pompey will be back with new elements in 2027 and with a few surprises which will be revealed in the coming months.
“Run for Pompey is firmly rooted and is only going to grow, thanks to its founders who have done a yeoman’s job and deserve a break, its sponsors who have been there every year, all the volunteers without whom the event could not take place and the participants who show up, give their best and love the race however they place or wherever they finish.”
Welch said founding patron five-time Olympian and two-time Gold Medalist sprinter Pauline Davis, O.B.E., has agreed to remain Honorary Patron for Life. The incoming management team hinted at another world-class athlete signing on.
“Putting the medals on every participant and seeing how this race that started out so humbly has helped bring Exumians together has been one of the highlights of my life,” said Davis, who brought home double Gold for The Bahamas in 400m relays and 200m sprint in Sydney, Australia.
BAF has been the title sponsor since the race began. Sponsors for the 2027 Run for Pompey will be announced later.
Todd and Taylor said they will continue to serve as volunteer consultants.
The race takes its name from Pompey, a slave who risked his life to escape, trying to get to Nassau to beg the Governor to prevent a plantation owner from tearing families apart, separating mothers from children and siblings from one another. He never completed the journey, but his case was heard, families remained united and Pompey became a hero for his deed, running for a cause.
