Montego Bay is set to light up once again as the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation officially launched the third staging of the MoBay Night Run on Tuesday (February 24) at Pier One, unveiling an ambitious vision for this year’s event rooted in resilience, education, community empowerment, and carnival energy.

The five-kilometre run/walk, taking place on April 4 at Harmony Hall, promises an electrifying experience that blends fitness, fun, and purpose.

Now in its third year, the run/walk has become one of western Jamaica’s most anticipated sporting events, combining high-energy carnival vibes with a clear philanthropic mission. One hundred per cent of proceeds will support the foundation’s education initiatives, including scholarships for secondary and tertiary students. The foundation is also supporting post-hurricane recovery efforts at Anchovy High by providing sustained, long-term educational support.

Chairman of the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation, Howard Ward, said the event continues to evolve beyond a race. “The MoBay Night Run is about more than fitness and entertainment. It is about giving young people access to opportunities through education and showing that even in challenging times, our community can come together with purpose. Each step taken along the route is a step toward creating opportunities for our young people and inspiring hope in Western Jamaica. From the high-energy carnival vibes to the meaningful impact every participant helps create, this event embodies what we can achieve when we come together with purpose, passion, and pride. We invite everyone, families, fitness enthusiasts, and corporate teams alike, to join us, not just to run, but to make a difference.”

The launch attracted civic leaders, corporate sponsors and tourism stakeholders, signalling strong cross-sector backing for the initiative. While the event is known for its high-energy atmosphere, carnival music along the route and a lively post-race celebration, organisers and partners stressed that participants are being encouraged to run with intention.

Deputy mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Dwight Crawford, welcomed the event’s return, noting, “The MoBay Night Run is more than just a race; it’s a symbol of community spirit and resilience. In a time when Montego Bay is working to regain momentum and return to a sense of normalcy, initiatives like this bring people together in a positive and uplifting way. The energy, the camaraderie, and the sense of purpose surrounding this event make it incredibly valuable to our city, and I commend the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation for continuing to invest in the well-being of our people.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the foundation has maintained a strong commitment to supporting communities across Western Jamaica with relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to frontline support. This year’s event will celebrate resilience, culture, and education, while maintaining the vibrant carnival energy that has become a hallmark of the Run.

Past performances by Ding Dong and Nailah Blackman set a high standard for post-race celebrations, with organisers announcing legendary soca artiste Iwer George as headline entertainment for this year’s event.

The launch featured keynote remarks from Senator Charles Sinclair, who praised the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation for its ongoing commitment to community development and social investment. “It is my most distinguished pleasure to be here to support the launch of the third iteration of the MoBay Night Run promoted by the Howard Ward Benefit Foundation. The foundation has as its mandate a genuine desire and commitment to assist the growth and development of local communities and their residents, primarily through education and sports.” 

“This assistance ultimately contributes to the growth and development of the human capacity of the individual, the city of Montego Bay, and ultimately our beloved country, Jamaica. The MoBay Night Run is not only a celebration of health and wellness but also an opportunity to build community capacity and support the future of our youth. Montego Bay will be the place to be for this worthy cause,” added Sinclair. 

As Jamaica’s tourism capital continues to rebuild momentum, organisers of the 2026 Mobay Night Run promise to merge culture, wellness, and social investment in one experience.

Organisers are encouraging corporate Jamaica, families, and fitness enthusiasts to participate, not only for the excitement, but to contribute directly to the future of the region’s youth