Reading Time: 5 minutes

Organisers of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run are hailing strong backing from the tourism sector after Sunday’s landmark 10th staging drew more than 10,000 participants to the charity event in the resort city.

Founder Janet Silvera underscored the depth of that support, noting that key tourism partners stepped up despite ongoing recovery challenges across western Jamaica.

“This year for our 10th staging RIU, an organisation that has been with us from inception, decided to sponsor 2,500 participants…bringing it up to 2,600. We are talking about $5.9 million for charity from one organisation. We feel as if this kind of support we could never ever pay for. It is called loyalty to brand, it is called commitment to a brand, it is called dedication to a cause,” Silvera said.

She added that such contributions were especially meaningful given the sector’s current realities. “This cause…is a cause for recovery…There are still many organisations that are not able to recover in the west…many hotels are still closed. So I really want to big them up.”

Silvera also pointed to major input from Sandals Resorts International, which contributed roughly $6 million and fielded more than 2,000 runners, alongside support from a wide cross-section of tourism-linked entities.

“Jam West, Tiamo Beach Resorts and Spa, Jamaica Inn…MBJ Airport Limited…VIP Attractions…all these entities are tourism-related, and so I want to say a big thank you to every single one of them,” she said, also acknowledging partners such as Cover Me Up Tents, Ascent Innovation and the Urban Development Corporation.

She further highlighted support from properties that are closed or only recently reopened. “Royalton is closed yet they gave us prizes…Princess just reopened, and they gave us prizes…Sea Gardens is closed, and we are getting weekend stays… S Hotel hosted our launch…so I know that the tourism industry believes in this.”

Founded in 2013, the MoBay City Run raises funds to support students in need. In 2024, it was renamed in honour of Jill Stewart, the late wife of Sandals executive chairman Adam Stewart and a longstanding supporter of the event.

Stewart described this year’s turnout as unprecedented.

“Overwhelming. I’ve never seen so many people on the road at one time…hugely bigger than last year. We had 7,000 registered participants then and more than 10,000 on the road. This year we were up to about 9,500 registered, and you can see the support—well over 10,000 people,” he said.

Framing the event against recent challenges, he added: “Coming off the back of the hurricane, this is just a testament that nothing can break us in Montego Bay or Jamaica.”

Reflecting on the legacy of his late wife, Stewart said he was deeply moved by the outpouring of support. “My family and I are overwhelmed…her legacy continues to inspire people through health and academics…to see everybody here supporting like this…the love and support is unbelievable.”

Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, commander of the St James Police Division, praised the seamless execution of the event, noting that it was incident-free despite its scale.

“I am really happy that the JCF was able to play our part. This is a record-breaking year…We were able to open up both legs of Howard Cooke Boulevard…based on the growth of the run,” Samuels said.

He added that coordinated efforts by the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch and trainees from the National Police College ensured safety across the main route and alternative traffic corridors. “We are really pleased…kudos to the members of the St James Police Division.”

Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Dwight “Debo” Crawford, also welcomed the event’s continued growth, describing it as part of a wider shift toward community-driven initiatives.

“This event has turned out to be bigger than we even imagined. It’s a wonderful turnout…persons are having a fantastic time,” Crawford said, adding that the municipality is keen to support similar ventures.

“We are encouraging more organisers to come in and partner with us…because these events are the new trend and charities that need help are looking forward to the proceeds. We want more of these in Montego Bay.”

Silvera said participation ultimately exceeded expectations, with fewer than 10,000 registered but an estimated 12,000 people converging on the venue when spectators and unregistered participants were included.

She also pointed to the event’s credibility and tangible impact as key drivers of its growth, citing targeted support for schools still recovering from hurricane damage. Among beneficiaries are Maggoty High School, set to receive $2.5 million; Maldon High, which will receive support, including televisions, after suffering structural damage; and Cornwall College, where $1 million will go towards rehabilitating its industrial arts centre. Additional assistance is being coordinated for Herbert Morrison Technical High School’s engineering lab.

“At MoBay City Run, we’re not just talking about recovery—we are ensuring it happens,” Silvera said, noting that sponsors have gone beyond financial contributions to provide long-term support.

She added that rising national interest in health and wellness has also strengthened the event’s appeal.

“Jamaicans are so much into health and wellness now that runs will continue to do well. This is a fantastic gift we have been given for our 10th anniversary…Our sponsors have really come good.”

Silvera credited that combination of trust, impact, and growing wellness culture for the event’s continued success.

“People have recognised that this run has the credibility and integrity they want to support. They see the causes, they know where the money goes, and they know we deliver. That is what is driving the growth of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run,” she said.