International Road Race expected to add to Jamaica’s tourism boom

Jamaica’s tourism resort town of Negril is gearing up for a big boost in tourism business from this year’s in-person staging of the Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K road race in the town.

Nearly 1,000 overseas participants are expected, which will contribute to the country’s post-COVID boom in tourism, which is predicted to reach 3.7 million visitors by April 2023. Six hundred locals are also expected to travel to Negril for the events, which always attract a large crowd.

The 22nd staging of the internationally acclaimed in-person walk/run, which returns after a two-year hiatus because of COVID, is to be held from this Friday (December 2) to Sunday (December 4).

With bookings already confirmed for major hotels in Negril, the largest group expected is the more than 400-member Reggae Runnerz charity group from the United States, returning for its 10th year of participation. 

Each year, members of the charity group help the Green Island Secondary School and other local charities in Negril by donating slightly worn athletic shoes and cash to help students participate in the annual event. Also expected to join the race this year are teams from corporate Jamaica, as well as individuals.

Positive sign for long distance running

“This is a positive sign for us that more Jamaicans are embracing long distance running in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through running,” said race director Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, at the Reggae Marathon launch earlier this month. Another highlight of the event will be the participation of European marathoner Albert Meijir, who will run in Negril as part of his dream to attend his 50th event in the 50th country visited. 

According to Francis, “his presence in Negril will also bring a lot of attention to our annual event, through extensive media coverage in Europe”.

Although a group from Costa Rica has signed up to run virtually, their countryman Cesar Lizano will fly to Jamaica to participate in the in-person event.

He has represented his country in the London Olympics and this year won the Miami Half Marathon. 

Lizano also came third in the San Jose Marathon. He is managed by a Costa Rican, who is married to a Jamaican.

There will be J$1 million in cash and prizes, in addition to commemorative finisher medals, certificates and Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies sculpted by famous Jamaican artist Basil Watson, to be presented to the male and female winners of the Reggae Marathon.