World 100-metre champion Oblique Seville has been named a race ambassador for this year’s Kingston City Run scheduled for Sunday, November 2.

The event — which is seeking to raise $5 million to benefit four organisations which provide services to the homeless, at-risk youth, and marginalised communities across the capital city — is being staged for the ninth year by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).

A news release from the organisers reported Seville as saying that being part of the charity event aligns with his values of discipline, community, and giving back.

“Kingston is where my journey started, and it has given me so much. Supporting Kingston City Run allows me to give back in a meaningful way — promoting wellness, unity, and care for those who need it most. I want to encourage everyone to come out, get active, and make a difference,” the release quoted Seville who won the blue riband race at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships last month.

Christopher Jarrett, JHTA president, co-founder and co-chair of Kingston City Run, expressed enthusiasm for Seville’s support, saying, “Oblique embodies the spirit of perseverance, excellence, and national pride that Kingston City Run stands for. His achievement as Jamaica’s only gold medallist at the recent World Championships has reignited pride across the nation, and his endorsement will undoubtedly inspire more Jamaicans to take part in this meaningful cause.”

The JHTA also said that Seville’s involvement brings renewed energy and visibility to the event’s mission, reinforcing its call for Jamaicans to “run for a purpose”.

In addition to Seville, this year’s ambassador team includes Kurt Dunn of Body By Kurt Fitness; Stokely Rose, CEO of TrainFit Club Jamaica; and Brittney Clarke, the 2025 Jamaica Festival Queen — each bringing their passion, influence, and community spirit to help spread the message of health, hope, and humanity.

“Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk/wheel or 10k run, both featuring scenic routes through some of Kingston’s most iconic streets — from Knutsford Boulevard and Lady Musgrave Road to Devon House, King’s House, and past the Bob Marley Museum — culminating at Emancipation Park, the perfect backdrop for a morning of movement, music, and meaning,” the organisers said.

This year’s staging invites groups, companies, and friends to register as ‘Pirate Teams’ and dress in pirate-themed attire, bringing the 2025 theme ‘Pirates Run Di City’ to life.

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and teams. People are invited to register or donate at
www.kingstoncityrunja.com or
www.gustazos.com.

Since its inception, Kingston City Run has raised more than $21 million in aid of charities that provide shelter, rehabilitation, and support for the homeless through its beneficiaries — Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Alpha Institute, Open Arms Development Centre, and Missionaries of the Poor.