Staff WriterGear up to pound the pavement – and the sand – as marathon season hits the islands this December with the 10th anniversary of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, Jamaica’s premier International Marathon Event. The anticipated event will take place on December 4, 2010 and marathoners, sports enthusiasts and beginners alike, will converge in Negril, Jamaica’s capital of casual, for a fun event characterized by positive vibes and reggae music.
“Jamaica’s long and distinguished history in sports as well as our musical influence is well-known and it is wonderful that we have combined these two attributes into the Reggae Marathon,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “As we celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary and expand partnerships for this and other events, we hope to increase our appeal as a sporting, health and wellness, and music destination.”
Stretching from Long Bay Beach Park, situated along Negril’s famed 7-mile white sand beach, to the town of Negril and then north to Green Island, the race features pulsating reggae music at each mile. The Marathon is operated to world-class standards, with the race set on an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified course featuring water/aid stations for every mile. Cooling stations are equipped with misters and iced towel wraps, and medical stations are positioned along the course, manned by a multi-disciplinary medical team with a helicopter on call.
In an effort to increase overseas participation, American Airlines jumped on board to partner with Reggae Marathon by offering additional gateways and fare discounts for event participants.
The Marathon weekend kicks off with registration and a two-day Marathon Expo, December 2 & 3, where participants and supporters will find race gear as well as the best of Jamaica’s art and craft. On December 3, the internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party is carbo-loading at its best. And, the post-race Village Bash and Victory Party at Long Bay Beach Park is the perfect release after a grueling 26.2 miles.
In addition to airfare discounts, participants will find reasonable four and five star accommodations, allowing them to extend their race experience into vacation time. Race organizers and Divine Tours Limited have worked with local hotels to offer runners and walkers the best of the best. Stays at the all-inclusive, four-star Sandals Negril start at $175 per night. The five-star Beaches Negril is offering rooms starting at $189 per night, and the five-star Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Negril has a starting rate of $179 per night.
“Since the event was launched in 2001, Reggae runners have come to Jamaica from over 18 countries to experience the greatest race in the Caribbean,” said Mr. Emile Leiba, president of the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston, organizers of the event. “This year, even greater effort is being made to ensure that both local and overseas participants have a memorable and enjoyable event.”
Reggae runners and walkers who wish to register online for the 2010 Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K event may visit www.reggaemarathon.com
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