Organisers of the world-renowned Reggae Marathon officially announced during a vibrant media launch on October 1 that Jamaica’s premier international running event will celebrate its historic 25th anniversary on December 7, 2025.

The run is to be staged in Kingston for the first time. This move from Negril, its home for 24 years, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Jamdammers Running Club, the founding organisation behind the event.

The 2025 Reggae Marathon will feature World Athletics certified courses for the half marathon, 10K, and a 5K, guiding runners through Kingston’s cultural landmarks, including the National Gallery, the Supreme Court, and Water Lane’s Artwalk, before finishing along the waterfront.

“The transition to Kingston represents an exciting opportunity to showcase the versatility and appeal of the Reggae Marathon brand,” said Ian Kelly, chairman of Reggae Marathon. “Participants will experience world-class organisation and authentic Jamaican hospitality against the dynamic backdrop of our capital city.”

With a tradition of welcoming participants from a minimum of 25 countries annually, strong representation is expected from Jamaica, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan.

The popular 5K, introduced in 2024, will continue to attract corporate teams and first-time runners.

The Jamaica Tourist Board endorsed the move as a boost to winter tourism and sports tourism in Kingston.

“The Reggae Marathon’s move opens exciting possibilities for showcasing Jamaica to our international running community,” said Peter Mullings, deputy director of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “It encourages extended stays and exploration of Kingston’s rich cultural offerings.”

Race logistics will be co-ordinated by Running Events Jamaica to ensure seamless execution.

“From course certification to support stations with reggae music at every mile, every detail is designed to honour the Marathon’s 25-year legacy while highlighting Kingston’s unique character,” said Alfred “Frano” Francis, race director.

Beyond athletic prestige, the Reggae Marathon continues to make a meaningful impact through its robust prize offerings and commitment to youth development. A prize pool exceeding $1.5 million will be distributed across race categories, rewarding top finishers with cash prizes, trophies, and commemorative awards.

Central to this effort is the High School Boys’ & Girls’ 10K Championships, which not only celebrate rising talent but also support digital literacy by donating laptops to winning schools. At the launch, the 2024 winners were recognised — including St Jago High School in first place (three laptop computers), Holmwood Technical High School in second place (two laptops), and Bellefield High School in third place (one laptop). These contributions underscore the Reggae Marathon’s role in advancing both sporting excellence and educational opportunity for Jamaica’s youth.

The 2025 event holds special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Jamdammers Running Club, which has been instrumental in developing Jamaica’s road racing culture since 1994. The club’s three decades of dedication to promoting both elite and recreational running culminate in this milestone celebration.

“Moving to Kingston for our 25th anniversary allows us to showcase a different side of Jamaica’s beauty while honouring both our event’s legacy and our 30-year-old club’s promotion of 25 years of long-distance racing in Jamaica. We’re excited to offer participants a completely new perspective on Jamaican culture and hospitality all, while highlighting the true meaning of road running in Jamaica,” said Dr Kemroy Johnson, president of Jamdammers Running Club.

Traditional race weekend highlights will continue, including the ‘World’s Best’ Pasta Party, race packet collection services, and the signature Victory Party and Awards Ceremony. Winners will receive the prestigious Bob Marley and Rita Marley trophies, while all finishers will earn commemorative medals and official 25th anniversary Reggae Marathon t-shirts.

Registration information and detailed race weekend schedules are available at www.reggaemarathon.com.

Race day is to begin early, with the half marathon and 10K starting at 5:15 am and the 5K at 5:25 am.