The USA is set to bring the largest contingent of runners for the 2023 staging of the Reggae Marathon: Half Marathon & 10K event set for Negril from December 1 to 3, while Jamaica will have the second largest number of participants this year.

Twenty-five countries have already registered to be in Jamaica for the world-renowned race, including Austria, Bahamas, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

“The excitement is building. We cannot wait to welcome these runners and walkers to our beautiful island of Jamaica. In fact, the event has become a calendar event not only for the fact that it is hosted to international standards, but because of the beauty of the Negril beachfront and the weather,” said Mr. Alfred Francis.

As of this year, the annual run and walk event, known as Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, will no longer offer an in-person marathon race.

According to Mr. Francis, it had become necessary to restructure the event as “we have been constantly challenged to provide the same level of runner care to our marathoners as those participating in the Half Marathon & 10K events. “

He said discussions regarding the change had been on the table for some time, but the Board of Directors of the world-renowned sporting event took the decision to offer the marathon virtually, while keeping the in-person Half Marathon & 10k event as part of the local brand’s offerings.

“Of course, we are disappointed that we have had to discontinue the marathon race of this popular run/walk. With this change, we can now focus comfortably on providing the best experience for the participants in our Half Marathon & 10k events, as well as to our supporters and partners", Mr. Francis said.

Many runners from Europe, Canada and USA have opted to participate in the virtual marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K events and will submit the results of their race to receive the race swag, consisting of a race bag, T-shirt, and a medal.

Participants in this year’s Half Marathon & 10K in Negril can expect a fun event in the company of repeat runners from all over the world, many of whom have become friends.

Race Day will also feature the Silver Birds Steel Band and popular Reggae artiste, Yaksta, as part of the fun.

On-line registration for the Half Marathon & 10K races will remain open until November 30, while on-location registration in Negril will continue on December 1 and 2.