The 2025 staging of the Kingston City Run dubbed ‘Pirates Run di City’ will be aiming to raise $5m for various charities.

The ninth staging will see proceeds going towards the Alpha Institute, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Open Arms Development Centre and Missionaries for the Poor.

The Kingston City Run (KCR) is an initiative of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) – Kingston Chapter, and a premier road race event in Jamaica’s capital city, will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 and will fall in line with the Kingston Pirates Week.

Since its inception, Kingston City Run has raised over J$21 million in aid of charities that provide shelter, rehabilitation, and support for the homeless through its beneficiaries.

Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Co-Founder, and Co-Chair of Kingston City Run, was at the launch on Thursday, October 9, at the Courtleigh Hotel, and he noted that this event brought energy, purpose and unity to the capital city.

“When we first conceptualised the Kingston City Run in 2013, we wanted to create something that went beyond fitness. Today, that dream continues to grow; we have raised our $21 million,” Jarrett pointed out. “Each stride on race day translates into food, shelter, education and empowerment for those who need it most. This year’s theme, Pirates Run the City, captures the fun, freedom and fearless spirit of Kingston. Reminds us that even as we run for a cause, we celebrate the rhythm, creativity and resilience that define our people.

“This is the only run that goes through the iconic King’s House. GG will be there to wave. Devon House, among top five places in the world to have ice cream,” said Jarrett.

Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K Run/Walk, featuring scenic routes through some of Kingston’s most iconic streets—from Knutsford Boulevard and Lady Musgrave Road to Devon House— culminating at Emancipation Park, which will provide the perfect backdrop for a morning of movement and meaning.

Donovan White, Director of Tourism, implored the organisers to make this Kingston City Run just as or better than the famous ones in Boston, New York or London by 2026.

“The importance of Kingston City Run is not just a race, it’s a celebration of our vibrant community, our culture and of course our amazing city,” said White.

“The event truly has the potential to bring people from all walks of life to Kingston, and we have to embrace it. So, I challenge the organisers that this event must be the showpiece signature marathon on the global circuit. There is no reason why Kingston can’t compete with the Miami Marathon, the Boston Marathon.”