THE Caribbean Christian Publications (CCP) Lapathon 2015 is scheduled for today at Emancipation Park, starting at 6:30 am.

The CCP is the region’s leading provider of Sunday School literature. The Lapathon is open to runners, walkers and joggers and will be held under the theme, “Living The Word – Moving By Faith”.

Proceeds from this the fifth annual staging of the Lapathon will help to finance CCP’s Writers’ Conference for the development of the new Sunday School curriculum. It will aid the non-profit organisation to sustain its efforts in providing biblically grounded, educationally sound and culturally relevant Sunday School literature for Jamaica, the region and the Caribbean Diaspora in North America.

Last year, 120 persons participated in the Lapathon at Emancipation Park. They represented several private sector, civic and Christian organisations, including 10 churches. The CCP is anticipating an even bigger turnout this year.

Beryl Roper, director, CCP, is appealing to families and other groups to participate in this year’s Lapathon. “Come out and support the event. By so doing, you will contribute to the moral health of the nation and our region through strong and vibrant Sunday Schools teaching sound doctrine; in a culturally relevant format.

“Donate cash or kind, bring a group to walk on the day, and/or sponsor a group of youngsters who are eager to participate but cannot afford the entry fee. Be part of the change we all want.”

Roper is of the view that the Lapathon has over the years helped to increase awareness of the importance of Sunday School, and wholesome literature for the entire family. The CCP director is also encouraging more Jamaican and Caribbean families to get involved in Sunday School at a church of their choice.

Other activities to be hosted at the Lapathon will include a dancercise/aerobics session for adults, hula-hoop competitions and lime-and-spoon races. The CCP will also have an information booth. Members of the public can view displays on the work and audio-visual products of the organisation.

The registration fee is $500 per person, and organisations that donate $10,000 to the Lapathon will receive 25 passes for their team members.

The competitor who does the most laps will win a gold medal and other attractive prizes. Medals and other tokens will be presented in several other categories. For the second consecutive year, the largest church group/corporate group participating in the event has the opportunity to win a trophy.

Last year’s Lapathon winner, Maurice Williams of Bethel Baptist, Half Way Tree, copped a medal and a prize trip for four at one of the Jewel Resort properties. He completed 67 laps (equivalent of 32.5 kilometres), thereby breaking the 2013 winning record of 39 laps. In second and third place, respectively, were Calment Kerr of Mamby Park Baptist Church, who completed 62 laps (equivalent of 31 kilometres) and Lenworth Hunter of Bethel United Pentecostal Church, who did 58 laps (equivalent of 29 kilometres).