The 5k race seems to be the popular distance for people who run for fitness and pleasure. Our daughter Lisa, who does run for fitness and pleasure, is entered in a 5k next weekend, or maybe it’s a 10k. Or 20.
Whatever it is, her parents say: “Better her than us.” They “walk” for fitness and pleasure.
Allure of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean giant that launches its career in Florida next month, has a runners’ special sailing in its second week of operation. The climax is a 5k run (surprise, surprise) called the Royal 5k, after the ship ports in St. Maarten on December 16, and in case you’re wondering how long 5 kilometers is, it’s just over three miles.
This is a new theme for cruise ships, which traditionally have fitness centers and tracks (of sorts) around the perimeter of the promenade deck for runners…and walkers like us, and even amblers known to get in the way. You don’t have to be a runner to be an Allure passenger but it might be more comfortable if you are one on the December 12 sailing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale).
For the Royal 5k, plus some fun runs for the less competitive, Royal Caribbean has invited former Olympic marathoner Frank Shorter (right), seven-time U.S. world track team member Sonja Friend-Uhl, national 1600-meter champion Sean Jefferson and the CRO (Chief Running Officer) at Runner’s World Magazine, Bart Yasso.
Novel ideas like this are going to be regular events for the Allure, because when you add more than 5,000 beds to the cruise market that’s what you have to do. Organizers haven’t told passengers yet, but on this cruise they give you a run for your money.
Or, for people like us, a walk.