TrainFit Club is bringing back to the Kingston scene its annual FITMAS event after a three-year hiatus.

This year’s 8th staging of the event is scheduled to take place on Sunday at R.E.N.U. Attractions, Cavaliers in the hills of St Andrew, approximately 20 minutes from Stony Hill Square.

Under the theme, Merry Mockingbirds, signifying the idyllic feeling of experiencing the magic of Christmas within the natural outdoors, the event features a hike/ nature trail, yoga activities and picnic by the river. Throughout the day, patrons will be feted by sponsors with refreshments and outdoor gears to help them through the outdoor activities, organisers said, adding that part proceeds of the event will go back to the May Pen Hospital’s Gynaecological Outpatient Department.

Founded by Stokely Rose, fitness trainer and CEO, TrainFit Club promotes outdoor enthusiasm and adventure.

“With the goal to fuse fitness, fun, family, food and fellowship in one event, FITMAS will embody the spirit of a true Jamaican Christmas experience, community awareness, and appreciation of Jamaica’s beautiful topography,” stated Rose.

The event kicks off at 5:30am at Shortwood Practising School where patrons are invited to park and pay for transportation provided by the Club via its Park & Ride package. Parking is limited at the venue, the organisers said.

FITMAS promises a whole new experience to its annual event this year by giving patrons the chance to achieve fitness goals, experience the therapy of the outdoors and have fun with family and friends.

Among the list of new experiences this year are massages being offered by HEART for subsidized rates, 10 merry mockingbird curated stops on the hike trail with opportunities to win Christmas prizes; and a create-your-own-experience package by purchasing from the extensive packages, which now include limited attendance, organisers said.

Limited attendance packages cater to the community for persons with disabilities and those who are not able or prepared to venture on the 5.5mile hike.

“FITMAS 2024 is about giving back to the community and to those in need. We are engaging the community of Padmore, St Andrew, which represents the mid-way stop on the trail. Community members are encouraged to come out and greet the patrons and interact with us at the rest stop,” Rose said.

“Additionally, we want all our patrons to know that your ticket purchase represents your contribution to solving the problems that exist at the May Pen Hospital’s Gynaecological Outpatient Department, a significant burden in which major cases are impeded because inadequate resources affect what can be done,” he continued. “This initiative is in partnership with Dr. Ryan Halsall of ILAP Medical.”

According to the organiser, with the proceeds from this event, more elective minor day cases can be facilitated, cutting down wait time for patients to receive treatment and lessening the demand on operating theatre time, leaving room for the main operating theatre to focus on major cases. The needs for the supplies will exceed over $3 million.

TrainFit Club is inviting all persons 12 years and older with an interest in health, wellness and fitness, lovers of nature and outdoors and who is interested in giving back to this initiative, to come out and support the eighth staging of FITMAS. Among the sponsors to be present are M Catering, Grace Foods, World Brands, Sagicor, Carimed/Kirk FP, Maggi, Wisynco, ILAP Medical and Windsor Wellness.