On Sunday, December 3, Negril, Jamaica, as soon as once more performed host to the colourful and profitable Reggae Marathon. With practically 1500 contributors from 24 international locations and media protection spanning the USA and Canada, the 2023 occasion reaffirmed the occasion’s standing as an internationally famend gathering.
America led the pack with the biggest group of contributors, together with Caribbean People and members of the Black diaspora. Jamaica was an in depth second when it comes to participant numbers, whereas different international locations represented included Austria, Bahamas, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, amongst others.
The 2023 Reggae Half Marathon & 10K made historical past with a complete of 1358 rivals, comprising 1019 within the 10K race and 339 within the half marathon. The collective achievement of the contributors in setting the quickest common time within the occasion’s historical past was a testomony to their dedication and talent.
Wanting ahead to the long run, Race Director Alfred Frano Francis concluded the weekend’s festivities with a serious announcement. In 2024, the Reggae Half Marathon and 10K will introduce a brand new 5K race, responding to the enthusiastic demand from hundreds of 5K fans. This addition, following the elimination of the total marathon in 2023, is anticipated to draw much more contributors from world wide.
The Reggae Marathon isn’t just a celebration of operating, but in addition a significant contributor to Negril’s collective efforts to revive tourism after the pandemic’s journey restrictions. Tourism is Jamaica’s main trade, chargeable for virtually a 3rd of employment and financial output. The pandemic took a heavy toll, inflicting a 9.9 p.c decline in Jamaica’s GDP in December 2020, marking the sharpest financial downturn within the nation’s historical past, in stark distinction to the 0.9 p.c development in 2019. The depreciation of the Jamaican greenback was additionally a major concern throughout this era.
Over its 22+ yr historical past, the Reggae Marathon has persistently performed a pivotal function in boosting tourism in Jamaica, with Negril, particularly, experiencing a transformative influence. Native transportation, tour, and attraction corporations, and small group distributors have immediately benefited from the inflow of vacationers coming to the occasion.
Wanting forward, Jamaica’s tourism projections for 2024 are exceptionally optimistic, with consultants forecasting a 25 p.c improve in trade income. Moreover, GDP is anticipated to rise between 3 and 5 p.c. The revamped Reggae Marathon is well-positioned to proceed its contribution to this tourism resurgence. Its various worldwide participant base displays the unity and concord that make the Reggae Marathon an iconic celebration of tradition, athleticism, and group.
With the resounding success of the in-person 2023 Reggae Half Marathon & 10K, all eyes at the moment are on December 8, 2024, when the marathon will return, promising much more pleasure, inclusivity, and unforgettable moments for contributors from Jamaica and world wide.
