The European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica will host the second staging of the European Union – Jamaica 5K & 10K road race on Sunday in downtown Kingston. The EU aims to bring together some 3,000 participants in a show of solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica for the fight against crime.

The event, which is being held under the theme ‘All Together Against Crime and Violence’, was launched on January 31 at the EU Delegation office in Kingston.

Currently, the EU provides funding support to the All-of-Government’s Citizen Security Plan, which is an initiative that seeks to contribute to more coordinated and effective interventions for the improvement of the security environment for citizens as well as to address some of the root causes that contribute to crime and violence.

With research indicating a correlation between low literacy levels and increased rates of crime and violence, the EU will be using the proceeds from this year’s 5K and 10K run to fund a literacy summer camp for two primary schools. Last year’s proceeds were used to fund a literacy summer camp at Kingston High School.

“The EU is keen on supporting Jamaica’s sustainable development agenda, which directly impacts the quality of life for all Jamaicans. At the forefront of that agenda is citizen security. Together, in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and other key stakeholders, the 5K and 10K event is part of our collective effort to raise social consciousness and awareness of the importance of having an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to tackling the social vulnerabilities that are triggers for crime and violence,” said Marianne Van Steen, EU ambassador to Jamaica.

Ambassador Van Steen said that the EU views education as a crucial component in tackling crime and violence, locally. She encouraged Jamaicans to come out to support the run as a demonstration of their understanding that all the society needs to work together to improve the security environment, while also supporting education and literacy.

“Collaboration and partnership underpin this event; it is about showing how uniting around a common cause can bring about change within society in a meaningful way and how much can be achieved when stakeholders and citizens come together,” she said.

Alfred “Frano” Francis, race director, Running Events Jamaica, said that the 2024 staging promises to be even more exciting, especially for long distance race enthusiasts, with the 10K run as an added boost. He shared that once again the first 3,000 finishers in the run will each receive a medal.

“Downtown Kingston is a cultural mecca and the racecourse is a beautiful and scenic route that family and friends can come out and enjoy as they take in Kingston’s rich cultural heritage, the beautiful Artwalk, and coastal boardwalk, all while supporting a great cause,” Francis said.

To register for the event, interested individuals and/or groups are asked to do so at www.runningeventsja.com . The event is an open competition. Cost of registration is $2,000 per person and includes participant’s race bib with chip and race-day T-shirt.

The race kicks off at 6:30 am.