Mandeville, Manchester — Organisers say they are targeting $1 million from the annual High Mountain Coffee Road race festival set for Sunday, January 31, to assist kidney patients.

Last year $650,000 in proceeds from the popular event at Williamsfield was handed over to the Renal (kidney) Unit at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.

“With the assistance of you, our sponsors, donors and exhibitors, we are anticipating that for the fourth year consecutively we will be able to hand over more money to the hospital,” chairman of the High Mountain Coffee Road Race Committee John O Minott, told a launch ceremony recently.

“Our aim is to get a million dollars, which will be used for the supplies and education about kidney disease,” added Minott, who is general manager of coffee producers Jamaica Standard Products (JSP), the company behind the High Mountain Coffee Road Race, now in its 33rd year.

Road racers from overseas as well as leading Jamaican distance runners are expected to compete.

Among the high schools scheduled to be represented are: Edwin Allen High, St Elizabeth Technical High, Bellefield High, Manchester High and Holmwood Technical High.

Activities will include the 10K and 5K road races and the recreational 5K walk.

High Mountain Coffee Road Race Meet Director Maurice Westney said all necessary precautions will be taken to protect competitors including proper “warm up” and “cooling down” routines.

Senior Medical Officer at the Mandeville Regional Hospital Dr Everton McIntosh reinforced how “horrendously costly” it is for the care of kidney patients and emphasised the need for a proactive approach to foster prevention through healthier life choices.

Lucozade is the main sponsor with support from a range of companies including Power Services Company Limited, Jamaica Drip Irrigation, Barita Investments, Mandeville Hotel, Knutsford Express, Bull Head Mountain Spring Water, Jakes Hotel and Spa, Happy Ice and Manchester Co-operative Credit Union, Jamaica Observer, KLAS ESPN.

The High Mountain Coffee Road Race is among the more eagerly awaited annual events in Manchester, attracting hundreds of people to Williamsfield including business exhibitors and vendors.

Minott said members of the public who cannot participate in the road race can make a contribution to the cause in the High Mountain Coffee Road Race Wellness Fund at Account Number (644311) Bank of Nova Scotia Mandeville Branch.

—Alicia Sutherland