Up to yesterday, registration for the 16th staging of Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K was 33 per cent higher than last year at this time.

Among the particupants athletes from over 20 countries and 15 states within the United States of America.

The early bird entry fee closed on July 31, 2016. However, there is another opportunity for participants to cash in on a special discount if they pay up between August 1 and November 27, 2016. The discounted entry fees during the current period are: $7,000 for the marathon; $6,000 for half marathon and $5,000 for the 10K. However, the rates will increase after the November 27 deadline. Registration can be completed online at: www.reggaemarathon.com, and also in Negril in December 1 & 2.

According to Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, race director, confirmation has already been received from last year’s 500-strong Reggae Runnerz, also Fit Fathers and Black Men Run, representing more than 20 states within the USA, as well as Team Diabetes from Canada.

“We are also expecting an increase in the number of local individual participants and corporate teams, some of whom are already registered for Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K’s ‘Sweet Sixteen’ celebration,” said Delrose Campbell, assistant race director.

She said reports from a number of last year’s participants have been overwhelming. Among them is Ineaka Carbo of Reggae Runnerz, USA, who said: “I got an opportunity to run the half marathon, which is a perfect distance for me, and the course was fast and flat. The course support was a breath of fresh air and well-spirited, with many people jamming to reggae music. The course was situated perfectly in the town of Negril, which allowed me to feel like a local enjoying the beautiful sunrise.”

First-time participant and a member of Reggae Runnerz, Karen D Crawford said: “It was my first time in Jamaica and I’ll come to this race from here on out! The pasta party was amazing; the race was great! I loved everything about it. I’m a Reggae Runnerz.”

Anya Lester, also of Reggae Runnerz, was sad to leave Jamaica at the end of the event last year: “Just a great time. Great people, great fun, great destination, great race. This was on my ‘bucket list’, so I came and ran the full marathon. Now I’m sad it’s over!”