THE Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run’s status was reinforced Sunday when registered participants of the over 20,000 took to the streets in support of the nation’s children.

Sunday’s participation netted 20,534 participants, easily surpassing the over 16,000 which took part in the run, walk and wheelchair event last year.

For race director, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis of Jamdammers Race Club, the event was a tremendous success and his team was well prepared for the increased numbers.

“We anticipated that this year would have been a bumper year, so we recalculated and put the necessary logistical changes in place and by the feedback we got, the runner care process was pretty smooth,” said Francis.

Each year the corporate run has grown, and according to assistant Vice-President of marketing at Sagicor Ingrid Card, her team has also helped to make the event a yearly success.

“The run is a success due in part to the hard-working and dedicated team at Sagicor who volunteer each year to put in the time and effort to help with the race day logistics, it is a difficult undertaking but they have risen to the task and lend their support to the initiative,” said Card.

The 2013 edition has surpassed expectations for the organisers who set out to raise $16 million for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Jamaica National Children’s Home and the Best Care Lodge.

The 15th staging netted $16,026,870 and those numbers were pleasing to ear of President and CEO of Sagicor Investments Jamaica Limited Donovan Perkins.

“We are truly appreciative of the response we have gotten this year, we have raised more than we have set out, and this goes to show that there is hope for our nation when individuals, groups and corporate Jamaica can come out and give their support for a worthy cause,” said Perkins.

A number of high-profile celebrities were on hand to witness the 2013 edition of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run.

The run, under the patronage of World and Olympic Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Her Excellency Lady Patricia Allen, also received support from Olympic great Dr Merlene Ottey and former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell.

The entertainment fraternity, too, was out represented by Jermaine Edwards, Latty J, Dancehall group TOK, and the impacting I-Octane providing an engaging experience during a post-run presentation to the massive audience at Emancipation Park in Kingston.