The "Pledge for Parity" event in capital Bridgetown was organised by the BOA's Women and Sport Commission.

Men, women and children were among those who took part on March 6 - two days before International Women's Day was celebrated worldwide.

Women and Sport Committee member Ytannia Wiggins said that she was pleased at the turnout, with the event aimed at promoting gender equality issues.

"The turnout was good," she said.

"It was as expected because we advertised with the National Federations and some of the International non-governmental organisations.

“It’s up from the numbers we had last year, so that’s really good.”

Celebrating women in sport was a main aim of the day, with the participation of many men seen as a big plus.

“In recent years we’ve noticed an increase of the men coming out to support it," said Mona Alleyne, an assistant director of the National Sports Council in Barbados.

"We are glad to see that the men are supporting our cause."

As well as the running and walking, a Zumba session and cheerleading display formed part of the day,

Barbados' last Olympic medal came at Sydney 2000, when Obadele Thompson won bronze in the men's 100 metres.