OCHO RIOS, Jamaica – The Reggae Marathon, for a lot of, is essentially the most transfixing occasion on the semi-professional working calendar. City marathons, such because the New York Marathon and the London Marathon, drive runners by means of blocks and boroughs of densely packed buildings and labyrinthian streets. “The magic moments of Jamaica, of working in Negril, contain having the Seven Mile seashore seen all through the occasion and ending the race by working into the Caribbean Sea,” beamed Reggae Marathon sponsorship and advertising director, Diane Ellis.
Distinctive Attraction of the Reggae Marathon
Held within the first blush of winter within the Northern Hemisphere, the marathon is a runner’s escape from the seasonal chill that plagues northern nations. The Marathon group selected the early December begin date to fill a spot within the busy Negril winter vacationer season, making the Reggae Marathon the unofficial beginning pistol for the winter season. Individuals come for the race and keep to assist native industries. They go to live shows, keep at resorts of all sizes, and partake in Negril and Ocho Rios’ vibrant nightlife.
Attract of The Seashore
“I by no means anticipated the end to finish on the seashore,” gushed filmmaker and Reggae Marathon ambassador, John Lewis. “I’ve lived in Miami for 20 years and have accomplished races there, however we by no means ended up on the seashore.” The group vibe is a big a part of why Lewis might be going again for his second time this yr. “On the finish of the race, all people congratulated one another, loved one another’s firm, and truly frolicked for some time.”
Making Lifelong Buddies
Larry Savitch, a New Yorker and Reggae Marathon veteran, agreed with Lewis. “What has introduced me again is that no different race I’ve ever participated in has given me so many buddies, not simply acquaintances, however actual buddies that I chat with a number of occasions a yr and have seen outdoors of Negril.”
A Rising Worldwide Enchantment
Attendance on the Reggae Marathon has steadily grown over time. In 2022, nearly 2000 members from 35 completely different nations entered the occasion. Many got here from the US, the UK, and Canada, all nations with massive Jamaican diasporas. However, members additionally traveled from different Caribbean nations corresponding to Trinidad & Tobago, japanese European nations like Poland, African nations corresponding to Angola, and Asian nations like Japan, amongst many others.
The expansion is the results of decided, boots-on-the-ground work put in by the group behind Reggae Marathon. Within the occasion’s early years, a journey group would arrange cubicles on the expos featured at bigger, extra established marathons, such because the New York Marathon and the Miami Marathon. Ellis theorizes that the novelty of a middle-to-long-distance occasion, on the earth’s capital of dash racing, was sufficient to show heads. On high of that, December is just not a super season for marathon working in northern nations. Slippery surfaces that invite harmful spills, bundles of garments wanted to remain heat however uncomfortable to maneuver in for prolonged durations, and air so chilly that it seems like shards of glass in your lungs with every inhale – none are conducive to snug working.
Neighborhood, Music, and Charity
The primary leg of the Reggae Marathon journey is thru a torch-lit path that opens up into the principle stretch, providing a view of the long-lasting Seven Mile seashore. Runners are enveloped by the clear morning air, and local weather change allowing, a Christmas breeze (northerly winds visiting the island). The ‘Reggae’ in Reggae Marathon is greater than a reputation. Music is a basic facet of the expertise.
The famend Silver Birds Metal Band Orchestra performs at completely different legs, working by means of a discography of traditional Jamaican songs and iconic pop covers. Cellular music DJs outfit their automobiles as mini sound methods and drive previous booming music, every thing from Reggae classics to Afrobeats chart-toppers, rallying the runners. The occasion finishes in entrance of the shoreline, and runners are inspired to jog proper into the ocean for the right cooldown.
“The tip of your race is just the start of one other occasion with Reggae, refreshments (Pink Stripe beer and contemporary coconut water straight from the coconut), and, most significantly, the Caribbean Sea, which is life-giving and therapeutic simply to soak in. Trip begins up once more!” beamed Savitch.
All of it combines to make the Reggae Marathon a wonderful beginning competitors for these inquisitive about long-distance working. “There’s no higher place to run a half marathon,” Lewis proclaimed. “You could be aggressive if you would like, however you can even simply take pleasure in your time there.”
Savitch once more agreed. “If you wish to have enjoyable and benefit from the sunshine and music, that is the right race for rookies and seasoned runners,” he mentioned.
Charitable Donations
Many teams compete within the occasion collectively, such because the Reggae Runnerz, a gaggle of members from the diaspora. Reggae Runnerz consists of wherever between 200 and 450 members every year. This group has made sizable donations to the Inexperienced Island group, a small coastal city close to Negril. Donations assist to assist the native highschool and even funding excursions to the Penn Relays. One other group is a collective of medical practitioners who volunteer at Negril’s clinics after collaborating.
The charitable power permeates all through the occasion and trickles down from the organizers. One of many companions is the Coronary heart Basis of Jamaica which presents inexpensive medical care. Care together with scans and testing for coronary heart illness, and members are inspired to donate funds when potential.
The marathon additionally companions with the SOS Youngsters’s Village in Kingston to carry on volunteers to the occasion. The kids are transported to Negril and uncovered to the marathon’s best-in-class group.
This yr’s Marathon is on December 3, 2023, and guarantees the identical one-of-a-kind mixture of vibes, music, charity, and enjoyable.