Royal Caribbean is celebrating Mo Farah's Olympic gold medal win by announcing that it will waive the entry fee for the Royal 5K race for anyone that books the Royal 5K cruise before August 17.

The Royal 5K will be held in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on December 4, 2012 and is the second year in a row the race is being held.  The race is open to all those cruising onboard Oasis of the Seas and the entry fee is normally $25 to participate.

The special race coincides with a cruise itinerary dedicated to running enthusiasts that includes running themed activities, such as:

• Social fun runs and beach workouts
• Private meet-and-greet sessions with high-profile racing athletes
• Seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes
• Personal training tips from experts
• Speed tests on the onboard running track

This new offer celebrates Mo Farah's gold medal performance in the men's 5K race that resulted in a time of 13 minutes and 41.66 seconds.  

Dominic Paul, Vice President and group managing director, Royal Caribbean Europe, commented, “Mo Farah’s electrifying performance has inspired the runner in all of us. With interest in our Royal Caribbean Runners groups really taking off and the fitness facilities onboard our ships busier than ever, we thought what better way to show our support for Team GB than by waiving the entry fee for this year’s Royal 5K race. From sports courts to surf simulators, making investments that get people active has always been a key part of Royal Caribbean International’s business and we’re thrilled to be paying tribute to one of our country’s finest athletes in hopes of encouraging experienced runners and novices alike to join us on a running themed holiday at sea.”

Royal Caribbean is bringing back the Royal 5K race this year and will take place twice.  First,  the event will take place in Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2012 aboard the Allure of the Seas.  Next, in December 2012, Royal Caribbean will hold the Royal 5K in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, onboard Oasis of the Seas. 

These cruises that include the Royal 5K race will also offer passengers other activities including

• Private meet-and-greet sessions with high-profile racing athletes
• Seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes
• Personal training tips from experts
• Speed tests onboard the track on your ship
• A chance to win prizes, including a grand prize trip to ESPN headquarters

The Royal 5K package price is $25.  

The first Royal 5K was held back in December 2010 in St. Maarten.

Royal Caribbean announced its first ever "Royal 5K" running event to be held in St. Maarten on December 16, 2010.  This race will be open to those cruising aboard Allure of the Seas.

This special race coincides with a cruise itinerary dedicated to running enthusiasts that include vitality-themed activities, such as

• Join fellow runners by exploring the different ports of call with group fun runs
• Meet high profile racing athletes during private meet & greets
• Attend seminars & lectures with high profile athletes
• Receive personal training tips from experts
• Test your speed with a chance to set a world record time at sea
• Recognize everyone's accomplishments with an awards ceremony
• Be entered for a chance to win prizes including a grand prize trip to ESPN Headquarters

The race package costs $50 for adults and $35 for children.  Guests may register onboard the ship or in advance at the Royal 5K site.  Participating guests will receive a commemorative race t-shirt, as well as exclusive access to a post-race reception on board.

“Royal Caribbean is delighted to offer this very special Royal 5K run in St. Maarten to Allure of the Seas’ guests,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “As part of our commitment to provide guests healthier vacation options, we look for opportunities like these to enhance our Vitality programming onboard and drive awareness of a health-conscious lifestyle. Coupled with an unprecedented line-up of new entertainment aboard Allure of the Seas, guests on this sailing will have a wide spectrum of exciting and heart-pumping options for an amazing cruise vacation.”