The Reggae Marathon has officially secured its place among the world’s top road races, with its new downtown Kingston route earning international certification ahead of the 25th staging on December 7, 2025.

The 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances have been officially measured, marked, and certified by World Athletics (WA) and USA Track & Field (USATF). The certification, granted on August 6, guarantees that times recorded on the course will be recognised for qualification to global championships, including the Olympic Games.

Race Director Alfred Francis said the recognition was vital for maintaining the event’s competitive edge. “Securing World Athletics certification for the 25th staging is essential to upholding the elite standards that have defined the Reggae Marathon for the past 24 years,” Francis noted.

While the long-standing Negril course held the same certification, this marks the first time Kingston will host the event. The move to Jamaica’s capital — widely considered the island’s cultural heartbeat — ushers in a new era for one of the country’s most celebrated sporting fixtures.

The route was measured by a WA/USATF-accredited course measurer using the calibrated bicycle method, ensuring every turn and straightaway meets international standards. The certification is valid for four years and represents the highest level of accuracy and legitimacy in global road racing.

Runners will navigate a path rich in history and culture, passing landmarks such as the National Gallery of Jamaica, the Supreme Court, Rae Town Fishing Village, and the colourful murals of Water Lane’s Artwalk. The course is designed not only as a competitive challenge but also as a visual journey through Kingston’s past and present, with reggae music and cultural elements continuing to define the race atmosphere.

The Reggae Marathon has welcomed participants from over 40 countries, combining sport with the island’s world-famous hospitality. The Kingston course adds fresh cultural depth while reinforcing the race’s international credibility.

With its new home and global certification, the Reggae Marathon is set to deliver world-class competition in the city that gave birth to reggae music — strengthening Jamaica’s position as a leader in both athletics and sports tourism.