RUNNING Events Jamaica’s Blue Run 2025 saw a record-breaking 2,934 finishers and 3,990 registrations on September 21, as Jamaicans filled Emancipation Park for the fight against prostate cancer.

Powered by Guardian Life, the run, which saw 1,273 men and 1,661 women crossing the finish line, continues to grow each year, spreading awareness about early detection. The Blue Run is also part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Corporate Wellness Challenge, promoting workplace wellness and healthy living across the island.

“The Blue Run is proof that Jamaicans are embracing both fitness and a powerful cause,” said Alfred “Frano” Francis, managing director of Running Events Jamaica.

“We are thrilled to see almost 3,000 people come out, the largest turnout since we began this journey three years ago; to stand united for men’s health. This is not just a race, it’s a movement to break down stigma, raise awareness, and promote early screening so we can save more lives,” added Francis.

Proceeds from this year’s staging will go directly to the Urology Department of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Jamaican men and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths on the island. Today, it is reported that 21 per cent of all cancer cases in Jamaica are prostate cancer, and 43 per cent of all cancer deaths in Jamaica are prostate cancer.

Despite its prevalence, it often goes undetected until it’s too late.

According to Dr Belinda Morrison-Blidgen, consultant urologist at UHWI, events like the Blue Run are helping to change the conversation.

“Prostate cancer has been the most common cancer in Jamaican men for decades, yet too many cases are still detected late due to stigma and low screening rates,” said Dr Morrison-Blidgen.

“We are deeply grateful to be the beneficiaries of this year’s Blue Run, as the funds will go toward critical upgrades that improve the comfort and care of our patients. Early detection through PSA [prostate specific antigen] blood testing saves lives, and that is the message we want to spread across Jamaica,” added Morrison-Blidgen.

This year’s event also featured strong health advocacy from the National Health Fund (NHF), which provided on-site enrolment for NHF cards.

The fund increased its subsidy for the PSA test, from $1,600 to $1,920. Jamaican men aged 40 to 75 years can now access one subsidised PSA test per year, making early detection more affordable and accessible.

“This emphasis on accessibility and prevention is made possible through strong partnerships and Guardian Life is proud to stand firmly alongside Running Events Jamaica in powering the Blue Run,” said Meghon Miller-Brown, president, Guardian Life Limited.

“Men’s health, and prostate cancer in particular, requires consistent and focused attention. Too many families have lost fathers, brothers and sons to this disease because of late detection. That is why we continue to drive the conversation into workplaces, homes and communities, keeping awareness and education front and centre.

“Seeing more than 2,900 Jamaicans step out in blue this year was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together, and proof that more men are listening, learning and taking action,” added Miller-Brown.

Advocates and partners for this year’s Blue Run strike a running pose, symbolising unity and commitment to the fight against prostate cancer from left are: Roshane Reid-Koomson, executive director, Jamaica Cancer Society; Dr Tamu Davidson, director NCDs and Injuries Prevention, Ministry of Health; Alfred Francis, managing director, Running Events Jamaica; Dr Belinda Morrison-Blidgen, consultant urologist, UHWI; and Oneil Clarke, vice-president life health and pension sales, Guardian Life.