MBJ charity run raises $30 m for education, draws record turnout in MoBay
ST JAMES, Jamaica — More than 2,500 participants took to the streets of Montego Bay on Sunday for the 5th Annual MBJ Charity 5K/10K Run/Walk, which raised a record-breaking $30 million to support scholarships and grants for students and community organisations across Jamaica.
The event, hosted by MBJ Airports Limited, drew its largest crowd and highest level of corporate sponsorship since its inception.
The race featured a high level of competition with standout performances across both distances. Evans Tetteh of Jamaica College took the men’s 10K title with a winning time of 34:16, narrowly edging out Kemar Leslie of Rainforest Seafood (34:23) and Jomo-Rhys Gilman of Pureluv (35:36).
In the women’s 10K, Cecile Heinrich of Pacers crossed the finish line first in 44:24, followed by Dandie Williams (45:44) and Arieta Martin of Rainforest Seafood (58:04).
The men’s 5K saw Garfield Gordon, 28, of UCT Steppas dominate the field with a time of 15:39, while Anieta Gutzmore, 17, of Rainforest Seafood, led the women’s division in 22:21.
Young athletes made a strong impression across the board.
On the women’s side, Gizelle James, 16, and Yasheka Bean, 15, both from Papine High School, posted times of 22:50 and 23:43, respectively.“Seeing our young people not only participating but excelling gives me tremendous hope for Jamaica’s future,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited.
“These results demonstrate when we invest in our youth and provide platforms for them to excel, they rise to the occasion.”This year’s turnout was significantly bolstered by the support of corporate Jamaica.
Rainforest Seafood led all corporate teams with 161 participants, followed by Playa Hotel & Resorts (Hyatt Ziva, Jewel Grande, Dreams) with 131, and GFS Team Mobay with 78.The event highlighted inclusive participation, drawing runners and walkers of all ages.
Gerline Nelson, 85, completed the 5K run in 45:04, while 76-year-old Lawrence Watson clocked an impressive 29:39, earning loud cheers at the finish line.In the walking categories, Paula Sinclair of UCT Steppas took the women’s 5K walk title in 32:33, while Duwell Allen of Creation Foods Ltd led the men’s division in 26:39.
“This event has evolved. It’s now a celebration of being more active in support of healthier lifestyle, while supporting the education of our young people,” said Munroe.
Evans Tetteh of Jamaica College, winner of the male 10K race
Cecile Heinrich of Pacers, winner of the female 10K race
Oldest run participants, 76-year-old Lawrence Watson (2nd left) and 85-year-old Gerline Nelson (2nd right) pause for a quick photo with Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager, Commercial Business Development and Marketing (left) and Lecia Allen (r), Founder of Wings Kidz, after receiving their awards.
