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Fitness, family, and inclusion shine at Hope Gardens

The Everyone’s A Winner Run returned to Hope Gardens with strong community support, bringing together over 3200 registrants in a powerful display of inclusion, wellness, and togetherness. 

Staged by Running Events Jamaica and supported by title sponsor The Best Dressed Chicken, the event continues to grow as a national platform that supports programmes for persons who are visually impaired, with proceeds benefiting initiatives delivered through the Jamaica Society for the Blind.

Held on Father’s Day (June 21), the competitive segments saw strong performances across both the 5K Run and Walk categories. In the Run division, the men’s category was led by Garfield Gordon, followed by  Jahvon Wilson in second and Alexander Miller in third, while the women’s title was claimed by Gizelle James, with Dandie Williams and Monique Campbell completing the podium. In the Walk category, Duwell Allen topped the men’s field, ahead of Gladstone Johnson and Ian-Keith Goldson, while the female’s section saw Carlene Wallace take first place, followed by  Natasha McKenzie and Karene Staple.

In addition to the strong performances in the individual run and walk categories, the prestigious Roy Thomas Award for Top Championship Team was awarded to the Pacers Run Club, recognising consistent performance, teamwork, and competitive excellence throughout the event.

A special moment during the day’s activities was the unveiling of the Roy Thomas Memorial Bench at Hope Gardens in honour of the late runner and long-standing supporter of the event. Members of Thomas’ family, including his children, grandchildren and nephew, were present for the ceremony, which celebrated his enduring contribution to the running community and ensured that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of participants. The unveiling served as a fitting tribute to a beloved member of Jamaica’s running fraternity, whose passion for the sport and commitment to the Everyone’s A Winner Run continue to resonate within the community.

Race Director Alfred Francis said the continued growth of the event reflects a deepening connection between participants and its mission. “Everyone’s A Winner was created to turn participation into purpose, and each year we continue to see that purpose deepen. The growth of this event is only possible because of our partners’ collective commitment, especially our title sponsor, Best Dressed Chicken, who continues to demonstrate what it means to invest in community impact. What stands out most is not just the increased number of participants, but the way families, individuals, and corporate teams show up with intention, knowing that while everyone is a winner, every step taken contributes to improving the lives of the visually impaired,” Francis said.

Arielle Oliver, Brand Manager at The Best Dressed Chicken, said it is an event the brand is proud to stand behind. “Everyone’s A Winner is one of those rare mornings where everybody leaves with something,” she said. “Families come together, and the day raises real support for causes that matter to communities across Jamaica. That is what keeps us coming back, and the good it does carries long after the last runner crosses the line.”

This year’s proceeds will go toward the development of an Entrepreneurial Grant Scheme for unemployed and underemployed blind and visually impaired Jamaicans with viable business ideas. The initiative is designed to provide seed funding, mentorship, and business development support, as well as access to partner agencies to help beneficiaries establish or strengthen sustainable income-generating ventures. The programme aims to reduce economic barriers faced by persons with disabilities while advancing pathways to independence, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial stability.

Chairman of the Jamaica Society for the Blind, Daemion McLean, said the initiative represents a critical step forward in expanding opportunity and support within the visually impaired community. “This event has become a vital pillar in how we deliver impact beyond traditional support. The funds raised through Everyone’s A Winner now directly advance our focus on empowerment through entrepreneurship, skills development, and sustainable income generation. It represents a shift from assistance to long-term independence, and that is transformative for the visually impaired community we serve,” the JSB Chairman said.

Among those in attendance was Minister of Health and Wellness, The Hon. Dr Christopher Tufton, who joined participants, sponsors and organisers in supporting the initiative and reinforcing the importance of health, wellness and community engagement. The event also carried added significance with the presence of race patron Dr Shanea Bailey and Dr Curtis Sweeney, guest speaker at the official launch, both of whom are visually impaired and continue to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility across Jamaican society. In a fitting full-circle moment, Dr Sweeney returned on race day to secure third place overall in the visually impaired category, further underscoring the event’s message that disability should never be viewed as a barrier to achievement.

The Generational Prize once again highlighted the spirit of family participation that defines the event, with the winning family demonstrating the strength of multi-generational involvement as parents, children, and grandparents completed the course together in a shared celebration of wellness, unity, and inclusion. Winning the generational prize was the Leiba Family. 

As the Everyone’s A Winner Run continues to grow, its purpose remains firmly rooted in impact: strengthening services, expanding awareness, and reinforcing the belief that every step forward counts.

In addition to title sponsor, The Best Dressed Chicken, the 2026 EAW is made possible through the support of sponsors Running Events Jamaica, Catherine’s Peak, Jamaica Observer, iPRINT, Ramsons/Blue Diamond, Salada (Mtn Peak), Purity/Ms Birdie, Sunshine Snacks, Pure Country, Heart Foundation, Heart Trust, Art Printery, Recycling Partners Of Jamaica The Hope Zoo and Hot Box Jamaica.