On Sunday, June 2, the lively town of Bog Walk in St Catherine will welcome scores of runners when Tru-Juice presents its inaugural ‘Run for Your Cause’ race.

The event features a 5K Run/Walk which begins at 7:00 am and a Mountain bicycle race at 8:30 am (only specialised mountain bikes will be permitted to enter for the safety of patrons), all adding up to a variety of activities to keep the entire family entertained.

As more Jamaicans become health conscious, road races have gained in popularity, and have proved to be a popular option to raise funds for charity. Trade Winds Citrus Limited, manufacturers of Tru-Juice, is adding its own spin to the road race concept and is offering the winning team a cash prize for the charity of its choice. This is unlike other events where charities are predetermined by the organisers.

Trade Winds Citrus’ managing director Peter McConnell encourages Jamaicans to take up the challenge for the benefit of their cause. “We hope the event will grow exponentially and deliver assistance to the needy. We invite families to support this inaugural event while sharing in the beauty of our Bog Walk orchard,” he said.

McConnell also revealed that neighbouring schools have been given special treatment. “This event is designed to touch lives positively and as such we have sought to involve the surrounding communities by extending invitations to all high schools in St Catherine to participate with a team of a minimum of five people, at no cost to them.”

The beautiful Trade Winds Citrus property will provide the backdrop for the 5K. The course will take participants through the company’s lush orange groves where the river and the orchards will provide a beautiful tropical setting. With cool temperatures synonymous with the area, participants are sure to register excellent times and find the endeavour less exhausting than other road races.

Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, race director of the event, believes this event is dynamic. “We are very happy to be associated with the Trade Winds Citrus Run For Your Cause event, presented by Tru-Juice. This is significant for Running Events Limited, as it will be the first time we are involved with a fund-raising event that allows the winning team to name the charity of their choice. This will give competing teams the perfect opportunity to raise funds for their favourite charity. The addition of a cycle component and a beautiful course through the orange groves should make this particularly enjoyable for the participants as well as the organisers,” Francis explained.

Registration for this event being coordinated by Running Events can be done online at www.runningeventsja.com. Registration for the event is $1,000 per person. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of the natural environment including a swim in the river after a gruelling course.