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Road Dogs Running Club Shatters Club Records and Joins the Global 1% at A1A Marathon

The Road Dogs Running Club has officially left its mark on the international stage, completing a historic second annual pilgrimage to the Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon.

 

Members of the Road Dogs Running Club from the Turks and Caicos Islands at the event
Members of the Road Dogs Running Club from the Turks and Caicos Islands at the event

In a weekend defined by grit and national pride, the club saw every single athlete cross the finish line, headlined by a new club record and a rare entry into the world’s most elite group of endurance athletes.

 


The highlight of the event came as Darado Fulford delivered a powerhouse performance, clocking a blistering 1:47:49 in the Half Marathon. With this time, Fulford now holds the Road Dogs Club Record for the fastest Half Marathon by a local runner, surpassing the previous record of 1:49:32 set by Alidavidson Higgs at the same event last year.

 

In a feat of sheer endurance, Reno Palmer completed his first full marathon (26.2 miles) with a time of 4:17:49. In doing so, Palmer joins the estimated 1% of the global population ever to complete a full marathon, becoming one of the very few Turks and Caicos Islanders to hold this distinction.

 

The Road Dogs displayed incredible depth this year, with every member of the traveling team successfully conquering their respective distances:

  • Darado Fulford (Half Marathon): 1:47:49 (New Club Record)

  • Dexter Williams (Half Marathon): 1:52:07

  • Leo Lightbourne (Half Marathon): 1:58:29

  • Donvonno Cox (Half Marathon): 2:09:50 (First-time Finisher)

  • Alidavidson Higgs (Half Marathon): 2:15:25 (Completed with injury)

  • Omard Gardiner (Half Marathon): 2:20:33

  • Reno Palmer (Full Marathon): 4:17:49 (First-time Finisher)

The club’s growth was also on display with the debut of Donvonno Cox, who completed his first-ever Half Marathon. His journey embodies the Road Dogs' core mission: transforming enthusiasts into athletes.

 

"Our goal is to continue to promote fitness and health as a lifestyle and attract more enthusiasts like Donvonno to be a part of this life-changing experience," said Club President Leo Lightbourne, who also completed the half-marathon in under two hours. "Many of the health issues plaguing our healthcare system are preventable diseases through lifestyle changes. The Road Dogs is a supportive community of walkers, runners, and aspiring athletes."

 

While the Road Dogs celebrated three runners achieving sub-2-hour times in the Half Marathon, the club’s ambitions are scaling upward. With an eye on the Brooklyn Half Marathon this April, the club is looking to bridge the gap between local passion and global standards. To put the challenge in perspective, elite global times currently sit at approximately 57:30 for the half-marathon and 2:00:35 for the full marathon.

 

"The ultimate goal is to attract more elite athletes to the club so that we can compete globally," Lightbourne added.

 

As the Road Dogs Running Club continues to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands internationally, they are inviting corporate partners and sponsors to join their journey. Sponsorship opportunities are available to assist with travel, equipment, and training as the team prepares for Brooklyn and beyond.


For sponsorship inquiries or more information, please contact:

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