MORE than $1 million in cash prizes are up for grabs in this year’s staging of the annual Burger King 5K & 4x1500m Relays (BK run & relay), which is scheduled for Sunday, November 12.

The event kicks off at Burger King’s Portmore Mall restaurant at 6:30 am.

At a media launch held at Oakton Plaza (formerly LimeLight Club) in Half-Way-Tree on Thursday, details about the event were unveiled to media and specially invited guests.

“One of the key aspects of this event is about promoting a healthy lifestyle so we are inviting Portmore, and all the surrounding communities and all of Jamaica, to come out and support,” Running Events Managing Director Alfred “Franno” Francis encouraged.

Bethany Young, communications manager for Rainforest Caribbean, one of the sponsors for the BK run & relay, said the event brings out the best in athletes of all ages, and it also fosters team spirit.

“We recognise the power of 5Ks in the way they bring out the best in athletes of all ages and in fostering team spirit. We are very proud to sponsor alongside a wonderful group of corporate sponsors here today. We look forward to a successful staging of the BK run & relay,” said Miss Young.

Coach for Jamaica College, Dwayne Johnson said the BK run & relay is an event he looks forward to each year because it helps to develop athletes.

“This is one of my favourite events. And it’s actually one of the only road race events that caters specifically towards student athletes and so, because of that, it is always one that I as a coach, personally, always mark down on my calendar every year to attend,” Johnson said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

He continued: “A lot of athletes in the past that have done well on the global stage in these events came through the BK 5K and relay event. It plays a key role towards the development of athletes.

Johnson noted that among the student athletes who have participated in the event who have gone on to do well internationally is 800m sprinter Natoya Goule.

The BK run & relay was first held 23 years ago. It is focused on providing competitive training opportunities for athletes, supporting school projects, and promoting community spirit.

Cash prizes will be distributed among winners of individual awards, school awards, and non-school awards.

“At Burger King we are not just about burgers, we’re about being socially responsible corporate citizens. We’re committed to giving back to our communities, investing in Jamaica’s youth and promising young athletes, supporting school development projects, and fostering a true sense of community spirit,” said Nadia Kiffin Green, head of sales & marketing at Restaurants and Associates Limited, operators of Burger King.

Kiffin Green added, “Burger King’s approach to youth development is done in a holistic way, including arts, academics, and of course, sports. These endeavours reflect our belief that investing in Jamaica’s youth is an investment in the nation’s prosperous future.”

For this year’s event there are three new awards for registered schools as well as corporations and groups. The awards include the BK Big Finish award (for schools).