“I used to try to do about 90 minutes of cardio a day. So that’s why my miles were always high… I do like a 30 minute run first thing in the morning, and a 30 minute run in the afternoon. And then if somebody wants to go and run outdoors, I do that too… And it’s something I enjoy. So I don’t look at it as, ‘Oh my God, I have to do another 30 minutes.’”
Nathalie Denner-Roberts just keeps going and going.
While most people are still negotiating with their alarm clocks at 4am, she is already putting in the miles. And it’s waking up before the crack no matter what for the best part of four months, that shot her up to the top of the mileage charts after the end of stage one of our Million Mile Campaign.
For the mother of two, an early-morning treadmill session has become an essential part of a daily routine that also includes getting her children ready for school, travelling from Couva to San Fernando for work, and finding time for another workout before the day is done.
It’s a demanding schedule, but one that Denner-Roberts has embraced as she continues her personal fitness journey while contributing to the Caribbean Million Mile Challenge.
How She Did it
“I get up at four. And I go on the treadmill for about a half an hour. So that’s the start of my day,” she explained.
The commitment stems from a decision she made earlier this year to take control of her health.
Following the birth of her second child, Denner-Roberts found herself at 175 pounds in June and uncomfortable with the weight she had gained. She initially introduced dietary changes before turning to running in July, having already shed approximately 20 pounds.
Her first attempts took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah, where encouragement from family helped her gradually build the endurance to complete the entire circuit.
What began as an effort to lose weight soon developed into something more meaningful.
“I started actually running in the savannah with a couple cousins,” she recalled. “And they kind of pushed me, and pushed me, and pushed me, until I was able to do the entire savannah. When I started in July, I felt like I didn’t have any going back, I actually personally enjoy it now; I see the results, I feel better.”
So when our Million Mile Campaign started in around the same time, it was as if the stars aligned.
Denner-Roberts began appreciating the mental health benefits of regular exercise alongside the physical improvements, finding herself increasingly motivated by the enjoyment of running rather than simply the numbers on the scale.
Her commitment has since helped her lose approximately 45 pounds, although she has also had to learn the importance of balancing her diet with the demands of her increased activity.
With guidance from her coach, she has adjusted her nutritional intake to ensure she gets sufficient protein and carbohydrates to fuel her workouts.
The transformation has extended beyond her own fitness goals, with Denner-Roberts revealing that her journey has encouraged friends and acquaintances to become more active.
“I have a lot of friends that started the gym, that are running, and walking. My whole community entered now,” she added. “So I have the support everywhere… [and] I realise that you just make time for what you want to make time for.”
It’s a development that reflects the wider philosophy behind the Million Mile Challenge, which encourages people to embrace physical activity and contribute towards a collective regional fitness goal.
Million Mile Courage
For Denner-Roberts, the initiative has provided additional motivation to maintain her routine, with her daily treadmill sessions complemented by outdoor runs at locations including the Queen’s Park Savannah, Arthur Lok Jack, and Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Her progression has been particularly encouraging. Having completed her first 10K in an hour and 15 minutes, she subsequently tackled the distance again, finding the second attempt considerably more comfortable.
She’s now looking towards 15K, although she recognises that a half-marathon will require additional preparation. Her advice to others who struggle to find time for exercise is straightforward.
“You will always have excuses, but you have to find the time,” she said. “Your health is your wealth.”
Denner-Roberts finished the standings in first, and has also hit the ground running in the second phase of the year-long campaign.
Who’s leading the way?
But now onto the latest update with the challenge. Now that the second stage has started let’s have a look back at the individuals and teams that shared a podium (albeit virtual) with Denner-Roberts. ZS Associates finished Stage One at the top of the team standings, accumulating an impressive 2,505.89 miles. Cargo Consolidators Agency Limited followed in second place with 2,118.56 miles, while PPF rounded out the top three with 1,001.29 miles.
Stage One: Top three teams
1. ZS Associates — 2,505.89 miles
2. Cargo Consolidators Agency Limited — 2,118.56 miles
3. PPF — 1,001.29 miles
The individual standings saw Nathalie Denner-Roberts finish Stage One as the leading contributor, accumulating 663.01 miles.
robbi1kenobi secured second place with 491.76 miles, while Latoya Thompson-Jacob completed the top three with 450.10 miles.
Stage One: Top three individuals
1. Nathalie Denner-Roberts — 663.01 miles
2. robbi1kenobi — 491.76 miles
3. Latoya Thompson-Jacob — 450.10 miles
Stage Two: Top three teams
Cargo Consolidators Agency Limited has carried its momentum into Stage Two, currently leading the team standings with 162.55 miles.
EPIC Fitness occupies second place with 62.14 miles, followed by PPF with 38.16 miles.
1. Cargo Consolidators Agency Limited — 162.55 miles
2. EPIC Fitness — 62.14 miles
3. PPF — 38.16 miles
In the individual standings, Shastri Maharaj currently leads the way with 69.73 miles.
Nathalie Denner-Roberts, fresh from her Stage One triumph, is second with 62.14 miles, while Yanesh Jankie sits third with 42.44 miles.
Stage Two: Top three individuals
1. Shastri Maharaj — 69.73 miles
2. Nathalie Denner-Roberts — 62.14 miles
3. Yanesh Jankie — 42.44 miles
The road to a million miles continues
The numbers are impressive, but they are only part of the story.
The Caribbean Million Mile Challenge is a year-long fitness adventure designed to get walkers, runners and hikers moving while encouraging them to discover the Caribbean through its natural beauty, communities and culture.
Part One of the 2026 challenge just finished, and gave participants four months to accumulate 100 kilometres, or 62 miles, through multiple activities.
That could mean daily walks around the neighbourhood, training runs, organised races or hiking adventures. The idea is simple: get moving, keep moving and let every mile count.
Adventure Awaits
Running can become monotonous, particularly for the average bloke simply trying to stay in shape while repeatedly taking the same well-trodden route.
The Million Mile Challenge offers something a little different.
Participants get to decide where and when they complete their miles, creating an opportunity to get creative with their routes and explore some of the breathtaking locations around Trinidad and the wider Caribbean.
Fancy a roadside trek? Go for it.
Want to put some miles in during your lunch break? Knock yourself out.
Perhaps you’re feeling adventurous enough to tackle something like the famous satellite dish hike? Or emulating the high bar that Denner-Roberts set?
The choice is yours.
Just make sure you stay safe along the way.
One piece at a time
There’s also a little more waiting at the finish line.
Participants who complete each stage of the challenge will earn one piece of Bafasports’ inaugural three-piece Puzzle Medal Sphere — a collectible medal series inspired by the Caribbean’s wildlife, flora, landmarks, traditions and diverse landscapes.
Complete each stage and the pieces eventually come together to form the larger spherical keepsake.
Now that we’re in the second stage, that means the second piece is up for grabs, or if you haven’t started yet, and are willing to make up the stagger, you can register for part one run, jog or walk your way up to speed, and collect your first stage medal.
And this isn’t about who can get there fastest, consistency, not speed, is the name of the game.
Whether you’re clocking up miles at a brisk pace, or simply getting out for a leisurely walk, every eligible kilometre contributes towards the target.
The message behind the initiative remains simple: Every mile counts.
Get your Strava ready…
There are plenty of ways to keep track of your progress, including Strava among other fitness-tracking apps.
So strap on those fitness watches, make sure the GPS is behaving itself and start plotting your routes.
You can steal a few kilometres during your downtime, lace up for a training run, assemble the crew for a weekend adventure or simply make movement part of your daily routine.
Registration also includes Bafasports MVP membership, giving participants access to exclusive member benefits and the opportunity to earn MVP Miles when they register for eligible Bafasports races and challenges.
The bigger picture
The Caribbean Million Mile Challenge forms part of Bafasports’ continued push to promote active lifestyles while encouraging participants to explore their communities and the wider Caribbean through movement.
From the casual evening walker to the marathoner, weekend hiker and competitive racer, there’s room for everyone on this journey.
And with 368,938 miles already on the board, the Caribbean is certainly getting moving.
There are still plenty more miles to come — and the road to one million is only getting started.
1. The target
1,000,000 miles is the ultimate goal of the Caribbean Million Mile Challenge.
2. The progress
375,158 miles have already been covered, putting the campaign at 37.5% of its million-mile target.
3. The prize
Complete Part Two’s 100-kilometre/62-mile target and earn the second piece of the Bafasports three-piece Puzzle Medal Sphere.
Registration for the Caribbean Million Mile Challenge is open now through the Bafasports platform.
