Tortola

King and Queen of the Mountain Run

Run up Harrigan’s Hill a total of 947ft. to Fort Charlotte

Port Time: 7:00 a.m.

Run Time: Approximately 7:30 a.m.

Location: Start and finish just outside gates of Cruise Port in Road Town

Run route:

“This is a run you will not soon forget”

Ø The Run will leave the cruise port on Waterfront drive

Ø Turn right on Russel Road

Ø Turn right at the BVI Beach club and proceed up the hill to Fort Charlotte.

The total distance to Fort Charlotte is approximately 3 kilometers for a 6 kilometer run out and back. The grade is very steep and climbs 947 Ft. The flat run from the Cruise Port to the base is approximately 700 meters. You immediately begin to climb and the grade is between 20 and 25% There are several switchbacks. The Climb is well worth the rewards of a spectacular view of the Harbor, Sir Francis Drake Channel and several of the other islands in the BVI at several points up the hill.

The Fort was built by British Royal Engineers in 1794 to defend Road Harbor. Its elevation meant that there was absolutely no prospect of receiving cannon fire from incoming ships. The only way the fort could have been taken (it never fell) would have been for the troops to climb the slope while under heavy fire.

The fort is barely recognizable ruin. All that remains are a few barely standing walls, and underground magazine but the view from atop the hill is amazing.   

King and Queen of the mountain competition:

Although this is a group run if any of the runners want to race to the top there will be an award for the King and Queen of the mountain. The first male and female to the top of Fort Charlotte will be declared King and Queen of the mountain and will receive special awards for their accomplishment

Runners Give Back

Running for Giselle- This run was originally designed by a local cyclist and runner Chris Ghiorse. Chris did a tremendous job of setting up the run for us last trip. Sadly, shortly after we left Tortola, Chris's baby daughter, Giselle, passed away from a rare genetic metabolic disorder called LCHAD/TFP.  We will be running in memory of Giselle and to raise awareness for to expanded newborn screening (ENS). 

Giselle was transported to the Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami Hospital from Tortola.  Chris and his wife Victoria spent time at Ronald Macdonald House in Miami while Giselle was being treated.  This amazing facility was less than a 5 minute walk from the Hospital and allowed for Chris and Victoria to be near Giselle throughout her fight, for $10 a night!!!  Ronald MacDonald House (RMH) is an international nonprofit facility set up to help families stay near their children who are undergoing major medical treatment.  Children, who need special care, often come from far a field  RMH provides the social, economical and proximity comforts to help ease these burdens, during an already extremely stressful period.  RMH, Miami is the main facility for Caribbean families with children in long term care. RMH Miami is set up to accept donations in Giselle’s name. Check it out www.rmhcsouthflorida.org and click on MAKE A DONATION  tab . When completing your donation please remember to make your donation in Giselle's Memory.