30 countries already registered for 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, which has 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 ‘Frano’ 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 need 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 Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association 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, beginning 7 a.m.
As in the past, plans have been put in place to ensure the comfort of the participants from the time they begin until they cross the finish line.
Although the run begins at 5:15 a.m. on December 2, the course will remain open for six hours. “However, marathoners must reach the halfway mark in three hours,” said Francis. There will be aid stations every mile, manned by experienced marathoners and enthusiastic volunteers. According to Francis, there will also be cooling stations with misters and iced towel wraps, as well as inspirational reggae music at every mile to help in motivating the participants to keep going.
In addition, medical stations and fully equipped ambulances will be positioned along the course, adequately manned by medical teams.
“We look forward to another great staging, where our participants will not only enjoy a sporting event of the highest international standards, but will get an opportunity to see our beautiful island and what it has to offer our visitors,” said Francis.
The testimonials over the years, from persons who have come to Jamaica to be a part of the event, have been glowing.
“It was a pleasure for myself and my mate to run in the Reggae Marathon. It was fabulous as always. It was our fifth run and we are ready for next year. Thank you for putting on such a spectacular event!” wrote Cordell.
Gerd, a 2016 participant, said: “A great experience I will not forget this race. The organisation was perfect. Thank you to all who made the race possible.”
Persons wishing to participate in the race can register on line at
or by mail sent to Reggae Marathon, 8789 Tower Street, Kingston. Mail entries must be postmarked November 23, 2018, at the latest, while on-line registration will close on November 28, 2018. There will be no registration or package collection on race day.
Among the partners of this year’s event are The Jamaica Tourist Board, Negril Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, the Ministry of Health, and volunteers from Negril and Green Island, among others.