Topic: A Full 5K Marathon is the Newest Cruise Ship Amenity

So, Royal Caribbean cruises has pretty much announced the one thing that contradicts the point of taking a cruise, but we'll run with it (no pun intended). During one of the December sailings on the Allure of the Seas, the cruise line will stage it's first 5K Marathon, called "The Royal 5K," to take place on the island of St. Maarten. We doubt it'll include the famous road at the end of the airport's runway, over which plane's fly dangerously low, but trust that there will be scenery involved regardless.

All guests sailing will have the opportunity to join, to quickly shave off whatever fat they've already piled on at shipboard buffets. The marathon is $50 for adults and $35 for children, and you're welcome to walk, run or jog the course. If you're quite serious about running, they've got an optional training program to follow as well:

...Opt for an entire week of exclusive, vitality-themed activities, including port explorations through group fun runs, onboard seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes; and jog, sprint or walk a magnificent five-kilometer course...

Royal 5K participants also will be able to attend onboard seminars and receptions featuring running talents including Bart Yasso, the chief running officer of Runner’s World magazine; Frank Shorter, an Olympic Marathon Gold and Silver Medalist; Sonja Friend-Uhl, a member of seven U.S. world teams, 2000 Olympic trials competitor in the 1500m, and currently ranked in the top 24 women in the U.S. for distances from the 5k to the Half-Marathon; and Sean Jefferson, an NCAA All American, 1600m National Champion and professional runner and tri-athlete.

For those less serious, you still can't escape the running theme on the ship, as guests will compete to set the first Royal Caribbean onboard running track record, which will be certified with RFID technology.

You know how cruise ships give away trophies to the winners of contests like "hairiest chest" and "best karaoke?" Well, here's a chance to actually do something to earn recognition. You'll be the star of the cruise! So long as the siren call of the chocolate buffet stays mum.

Charging me to run a marathon on holiday ~ no, never, not my idea of fun. What does everyone else think??

Done a 5k run on board the Caribbean Princess a few years ago for some USA foundation. This was run while at sea on the running track (deck 17) at 3p.m. Was very hot as half the run was in shade and half in the open. I was the last to finish but at least I done it. A lot of people dropped out after the first few laps (33 altogether). Have a baseball cap that they gave you when you enrolled.
EDNA

Yup, 5k in the hot Caribbean sun , only mad dogs and englishmen in the noon day sun, was the original song but guess the Yanks want to prove something again.
$50 is a bit steep regardless of the pre-training offered unless it is going to Charity.

I would do the walk with a bottle of a cool nip...