Excitement builds for 18th Reggae Marathon

AS PROMISED, this year’s 18th staging of Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will be held on a Sunday – December 2 – and the location remains Negril, again starting at Long Bay Beach Park on the Norman Manley Boulevard promptly at 5:15 a.m.

Already, participants from 30 countries have registered, with the largest group set to come from the Reggae Runnerz club out of the USA, with a contingent of over 400 runners and supporters.

“The event has earned the reputation of being an international event known for its seamless execution with elements of fun and music, perfect for those runners who use the opportunity to visit the island for a “runcation’’, specifically to be a part of this great sporting event,” said Alfred ‘Franno’ Francis, race director.

He said the race, which is organised by Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston, boasts a course that is certified by the IAAF, which also serves as a qualifier for any international event requiring qualification for a world record or to enter such events as the Boston Marathon, which needs a qualifying time for participation.

Participants in the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will need to pick up their packages on both Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1, at Couples Swept Away Sports Complex from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the first day and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second day.

On Saturday, December 1, the Negril chapter of the JHTA will again host the signature World’s Best Pasta Party at Couples Swept Away from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Immediately following the run on Sunday, the organisers have planned a Victory Beach Party and Awards Ceremony at Long Bay Beach Park starting at 7 a.m.

Persons wishing to participate in the race can register online at www.reggaemarathon.com or by mail sent to Reggae Marathon, 87-89 Tower Street, Kingston. Mail entries must be postmarked November 23, 2018 at the latest, while online registration will close on November 28. There will be no registration or package collection on race day.

‘The event has earned the reputation of being an international event known for its seamless execution ... ‘

CONTRIBUTED From left: Alfred ‘Franno’ Francis, race director, Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K; Donovan White, director, Jamaica Tourist Board ; Diane Ellis, sponsorship director, Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K; Ryon Chambers, Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K participant of the HiLyte Team; Aileen Corrigan, president, Jamdammers Running Club; Ali McNab, adviser to the minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport; and Ian Kelly, chairman, Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K, share a pose during the event’s launch yesterday.