Throwing back to ZOOMA Bermuda

A year ago, we were only just beginning to get inklings of what was to come. Coronavirus was just beginning to make the news and the average American had no idea that the country would basically shut down in a month. In fact, my first real understanding came when some of our ZOOMA Bermuda medals got stuck in China because things were shut down there. Despite that, our race weekend in Bermuda was AMAZING and I can’t wait to do it again in 2022.

ZOOMA Bermuda officially kicked off with a packet pick up at the Fairmont Southhampton. Like many of our events, it was sponsored by Goslings, who provided gift packets with the makings of Dark and Stormies. So tasty!

Next up was a trip to the Crystal Caves. We gathered as a group and toured the caves and then went to lunch at the Swizzle Inn. The caves were gorgeous and the Swizzle Inn provided both tasty food and an interesting atmosphere. Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for the first race.

Our evening race in Bermuda was from the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse down to Horseshoe Bay Beach.

The course was short and fast, but made more interesting by a chilly windy day. The finish on the beach was beautiful, but cold! I worked the finish line and was super thankful for the Dark and Stormies that kept me warm(ish).

Thankfully, the main race day was gorgeous! We set up in downtown Hamilton, with a start right near the Hamilton Princess. Because we were shuttling from the Southhampton and the roads in Bermuda are small and winding, we all had to arrive at the race start dark and early.

The course ran a circle around the Hamilton side of the island, coming in at a near perfect 13.1. Since it wasn’t quite perfect, runners had to run past the finish line in the first 100 yards, which meant putting up the finish line arch AFTER the race started.

And apparently, while we never saw rain at the finish line, runners got hit by a short downpour on the other side of the island – a normal occurrence according to the locals.

After running around the island, runners finished on the street above Barr’s Bay Park and then headed down into the park for yummy food, more Goslings Rum, and a performance by the Gombey dancers.

Looking back, I’m thankful we managed to have this race shortly before things got crazy. Beer Geek and I enjoyed the getaway and ZOOMA pulled off another amazing event. While I’m sad to be sitting in my house today and not over in Bermuda, it will just make ZOOMA Bermuda 2022 all the more special.