Fantastic News! 3-Year Sponsorship Secured

Fantastic News! 3-Year Sponsorship Secured
The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and the Foundation Run in the Sun, organizer of the KLM Aruba Marathon, have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement, ensuring the continuation of the event through 2026, 2027, and 2028.

The agreement was officially signed by Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, and Kees van Muiswinkel, Founder and Chairman of the KLM Aruba Marathon. This renewed partnership highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting Aruba as a premier sports and wellness destination.

“We are extremely grateful to the Aruba Tourism Authority for their continued trust, support, and professional cooperation,” said Kees van Muiswinkel. “Together, we strive to enhance the quality and visibility of the KLM Aruba Marathon every year, offering participants from Aruba and from all over the world an unforgettable running experience on “One Happy Island”.

The KLM Aruba Marathon has grown into a very popular running event, attracting thousands of runners and supporters from over 40 countries. The race features multiple distances, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K and showcases Aruba’s stunning coastline, hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere.

This long-term sponsorship further strengthens Aruba’s position as a destination that values health, sports tourism, and international collaboration.

The Foundation Run in the Sun Aruba, established in 2018 to promote tourism, running, and a healthy lifestyle on the island, organizes the annual KLM Aruba Marathon. The marathon, now in its 8th year, is set for Saturday, June 6th, and Sunday, June 7th, 2026. Registration is open and already participants from 17 countries have signed up.

Key Highlights of the KLM Aruba Marathon 2026:

Participation: 2,750 participants from 40 nations
Distances: Four options – Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM, and 5KM
Prizes:
• Top Overall Winners: The #1, #2, and #3 overall male and female finishers of all distances will be honored on stage with a Special Cup Award.
• Record-Breaking Reward:Any male or female runner who breaks the Aruba Marathon record 02:37:13 (Yeisson Javier Parra Rodriguez from Colombia) and wins the overall title in 2026 will receive a USD 2,500 cash prize.
• Aruban Champions: The fastest Aruban male and female in the marathon distance will each win a KLM return ticket and guaranteed Marathon entry to the Amsterdam Marathon.
• Age Group Awards: Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category for both men and women:
Gold– 1st place
Silver– 2nd place
Bronze– 3rd place
Inclusive Event: Welcoming both international and local participants, men and women
Race Amenities: Personalized race numbers, online time registration, DRY FIT shirts including UV-protection, luxury medals, multiple water stations, sports drinks, and fruit
Scenic Course: Featuring Aruba’s spectacular scenery
Technology: Free app with ‘Live Track & Trace’ for real-time participant tracking
Additional Perks: Free participant certificates, optional DRI-Fit FINISHER running shirts, singlets, Pasta Party
Safety: Ensuring a festive atmosphere while prioritizing participant and public safety
Registration: Open online at www.klmarubamarathon.com

The KLM Aruba Marathon is an officially certified race by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the World Athletic Federation, ensuring its status as a premier international road race.

Partners, Sponsors and Volunteers.
The KLM Aruba Marathon is made possible through the support of numerous partners, sponsors, and volunteers. In addition to the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A) and KLM as the title sponsor, specific distance sponsors include Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort, BDO Aruba and Cavalier Logistics. The marathon is supported by IBiSA, 297 Sports, Powerade, Patrishi Sports, Budget Rent a Car, High Performance, DOW, Penha, VMU, The Red Cross, Imsan, Johnny Cheng, Cardioloog, Nieke van Neer Arts-assistant HOH, Jesse Hulst Arts-assistant HOH, Dwight Lopez CCU-verpleegkundige, Nicole Ling-Tsung CCU-verpleegkundige, Marjan de Jong ICU-verpleegkundige, KPA, Believe in your self, 297 Eagles, the Aruban Running community and various other partners.

The organization wishes everyone a good preparation for their participation in the 8th edition of the KLM Aruba Marathon and is looking forward to working together with all partners and volunteers to make it a joint success.

Note for editors / not for publication:
For more information, please contact us via [email protected]
Foundation Run in the Sun Aruba
Chairman, Kees van Muiswinkel