Montego Bay is rapidly establishing itself as Jamaica’s “5K city” with thousands regularly participating in running events, prompting Mayor Richard Vernon to share that the Municipal Corporation is exploring designated running routes and expanded green spaces to support the city’s growing wellness culture.

In a recent interview, Mayor Vernon highlighted the shift in community behaviour towards healthier lifestyles, citing 5K events as a catalyst for broader wellness initiatives across the city.

“Montego Bay is fast becoming the 5K city of Jamaica,” Mayor Vernon stated. “We are seeing 5K events with participants over 3,000 and 5,000.  There was a time when organisers used to struggle to get participants, with only a few hundred attending, but now you have thousands.”

Infrastructure Development for Wellness

With the wellness boom continuing, the St. James Municipal Corporation is working to accommodate the events by identifying structured solutions for the city’s growing running community.  

Currently, race organisers choose from approximately five different routes depending on the event location.  While acknowledging that it can be good for runners to explore different sections of the city, Mayor Vernon explained the need to have designated areas that minimise operational disruptions.

“We are looking at the possibility of designating an area for 5Ks,” Mayor Vernon stated.  “We will have to eventually find a location that will not disrupt operations while persons pursue this type of activity.  So, we are working with the police and the organisers to see if we can identify suitable routes.”

The municipal corporation is also expanding green spaces across Montego Bay, recognising the correlation between development and air quality and the overall impact on wellness.  “While we develop, we have to create that greenery that balances infrastructural development,” the mayor noted.

Educational Impact Drives Community Support

The MBJ Charity Run, which attracted close to 3,000 participants this year and raised $30 million, is another demonstration of how wellness initiatives can simultaneously address critical community needs.  The event’s expansion to provide grants island-wide has generated unprecedented corporate and community support.

“There are many gaps with persons who have the potential but don’t have the access.  We are bridging the gaps through these charity events to provide the necessary funding,” Mayor Vernon emphasised.

Record Corporate Participation

Over 100 sponsors supported this year’s run, including Caribbean Solar Life.

“Education is the future. What better way to raise awareness for education than through health and wellness?” said Chevaughne Miller, Sales and Marketing Director for Caribbean Solar Life, which served as a Diamond sponsor while also powering portions of the event with renewable energy.

Returning sponsors also emphasised the long-term commitment driving the event’s expansion. Dale Brown, Managing Director of Signtex Design and Development Ltd., 7 C’s Construction and T & S, highlighted the community-centred approach: “We must always give back to the community, especially to the kids.  It’s just the right thing to do.”

Building on Proven Success

The Airports Authority of Jamaica’s (AAJ) continued title sponsorship reflects confidence in the event’s trajectory. “This event has been doubling in funds raised and contributions since its inception,” noted Audley Deidrick, President and CEO of the AAJ, underscoring the initiative’s proven track record.

“The way that this event has been growing, I would not be surprised if, in a few years, it is challenging many of the major run/walk events around the country because of the steam behind it.  We have over 200 stakeholders participating and supporting this event. And they are not what they call peer-to-peer stakeholders, they are major corporate entities, particularly in the tourism fraternity,” he continued.