Zachary Harding (left), deputy director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, with Howard Aris (centre), president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, and Alfred Francis, race director, at the official media launch.

Come December 6, Negril will be invaded by thousands of road race enthusiasts, for the eighth annual Reggae Marathon.

This year's marathon, which promises to be bigger and better, will see the introduction of the 10k run. The launch, which was held at the Altamont Court hotel in New Kingston last Thursday, was buzzing with reflections of our recent success at the Olympics. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, noted that with the recent performance in Beijing, China, this was the year "2000 and great". She endorsed the event highlighting its potential for developing sports tourism in Jamaica. She also committed to participating, if she is joined by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.

Much to celebrate

After eight years of organising the event, the Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston, also had much to celebrate. The marathon was recently listed as one of the best marathons in the world by a British daily. Frommers, the North American leader in travel guide, has also lauded the event as the most fun and entertaining race of its kind. Reggae Marathon has also received the approval of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Great experience

With over 1,000 participants expected this year, Race Director Alfred 'Frano' Francis noted, "It's a great experience to see a dream become a reality." With the marathon labelled as a great tourist event, it is also poised as the perfect training ground to develop long distance running in Jamaica.

A new dimension to this year's marathon, will be the Flair Care Reggae Marathon Promotion. Corporate Affairs Officer of the Gleaner Company, Terry-Anne Wilson, said the promotion will give two teams (consisting of two persons), the chance to run the 10 k for a cause of their choice. She said that, through the Flair magazine, these causes (which should be a non-registered and community-based) will be highlighted.

The causes could range from an elderly person in dire need, children in need of medication or care, or support for someone who feeds the homeless.

Diana Blake-Bennett (left), marketing manager, Burger King, with president of Jamdammers Running Club of Kingston, Tanya Miller, at the official media launch of the 2008 Reggae Marathon and 10k Run at the Altamont Court hotel, last Thursday. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer.