More than 1,900 participants laced up their sneakers on Father’s Day for the largest staging yet of the Everyone’s A Winner 3K & 5K Run/Walk, powered by Running Events Jamaica.

Held at Hope Gardens, the milestone turnout marks the highest participation in the event’s 10-plus-year history.

This underscores the power of community and purpose, as Jamaicans rallied to support cataract surgeries, medication, and treatment for members of the blind and visually impaired community through this year’s beneficiary, the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB).

The 2025 staging saw a touching show of unity from many father-son duos and multi-generational families, with special recognition given to the Leiba Family, who won the inaugural Generational Prize for the top-performing grandfather-father-child team.

“This was truly our most powerful staging yet,” said Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, managing director of Running Events Jamaica. “To have nearly 2,000 people come out to run, walk and give back shows how much heart this country has. We’re especially proud that this record-breaking support will go directly toward giving the gift of sight to those who need it most. That’s what makes this event more than a race; it’s a movement for change.”

Professor Floyd Morris, lecturer and long-time race patron and advocate for the blind community, was also in attendance. True to a pledge he made at the race launch, he handed over a J$100,000 donation to the JSB and Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE). His contribution exemplified the power of individual leadership in fueling sustainable social change.

Proceeds from the event will fund life-changing cataract surgeries, as well as eye medication and ongoing treatment for visually impaired Jamaicans. These efforts are being led by the Jamaica Society for the Blind, a long-standing organisation dedicated to empowering the visually impaired to live more independent and fulfilled lives.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this cause,” said Daemion McLean, chairman of the Jamaica Society for the Blind. “Cataract surgery is a medical need that too many Jamaicans simply cannot afford. Thanks to this event, more Jamaicans who have lost hope due to vision loss now have a chance at a better life. Every step taken on race day is a step toward restoring hope, and now, thanks to the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange, persons can continue to support the cause beyond race day.”

As title sponsor, The Best Dressed Chicken continues to stand at the forefront of impactful, family-focused community development.

“At The Best Dressed Chicken, we believe true progress happens when communities come together around shared values, health, family, and compassion,” said Arielle Oliver, brand manager.

“We were honoured to stand with Running Events, the Jamaica Society for the Blind and JSSE for such a life-changing initiative. This race wasn’t just about medals or milestones; it was about restoring vision. It’s about the kind of vision that sees every Jamaican living fully, confidently, and without barriers.”

To ensure transparency and encourage continued giving, the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) has been appointed as the project’s accountability partner.

“Our role is not only to track and report the donations transparently but also to position this project for continued support through our public platform. We are also focused on building the capacity of our partner to deliver this initiative more efficiently and effectively,” said Nora Blake, manager of the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange.

“We aim to maximise the impact, both financially and socially, by ensuring these donations go exactly where they’re intended and by opening the door for additional support from individuals and corporate donors. Anyone who wants to contribute to this meaningful initiative can do so at jsse.jamstockex.com. Together, we can scale impact well beyond race day.”