http://www.reggaemarathon.com/
As plans accelerate for the staging of Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K in Negril on December 3, the Jamdammers Running Club organizers of the event has announced a major change in the marathon course.
According to Chairman of Reggae Marathon Barclay Ewart, instead of participants heading into Green Island as is customary, “the new marathon course will now be looped instead of ‘out and back.’ Those participating in the full marathon will essentially be completing the existing half marathon course twice.”
There is a blog for the Reggae Marathon at:
http://www.reggaemarathon.com/blog/
In further explaining the change, Race Director, Alfred “Frano” Francis said the course which was recently tested and re-certified by the IAAF will help to facilitate “more spectator participation and closer monitoring by the organizers.” He added that there will also be more closely placed hydration and music stations “which should add to the camaraderie and the overall positive feeling of participants in the event.” He said the finish line area will now be the new venue for the Beach Victory Party “where spectators, supporters and participants will mingle and enjoy the best in Reggae Marathon hospitality and entertainment.”
Francis said a number of overseas groups and individuals from over ten countries have already indicated that they will be attending and participating in this year’s event. “So far, we can confirm that Puma Japan will be sending a magazine crew of about ten persons to provide coverage. The “Running Girlz”, a repeat group out of Canada; the “Easy Skankin Fitness Buffs” out of New York as well as several groups from Germany, Holland and Japan are also on board for the Marathon. Of course our own corporate groups led by Advanced Integrated Systems, AIS, which will be fielding about 60 participants; repeat corporate winners, JMMB, among others are also down to participate. Look out also for celebrities like popular radio personality Ms Kitty who has signed on to walk the 10K,” Francis added.
Jamdammers Club President Christine Randle-Wray said that a number of hotels in Negril are also making special packages available for visitors to Negril. “Virtually all the properties are on board and view this as a great opportunity to showcase the warm hospitality for which Jamaica is famous. Participants and their guests are reminded, however, to book early as rooms, particularly along the Norman Manley Boulevard, the vicinity in which the event is being held, go fast.” Interested persons are invited to contact Divine Tours at divine.tours@cwjamaica.com.
Following the success of its celebratory tenth anniversary last year, Reggae Marathon was this year again listed on the Lonely Planet's Top 10 Places to Run a Marathon. This positioning was also endorsed by Bedford New York writer Mark Wollin.