The 25th staging of the Reggae Marathon carried its rhythm and spirit into the heart of Jamaica’s capital on December 7 and delivered a spectacular debut in Kingston. For the very first time in its 25-year history, after 24 years in Negril, the event welcomed over 1,700 registered runners to its new, culturally enriched course in Kingston.

Runners from across the globe, including participants from the United States, Canada, France, Dubai, Japan, UK, and far-flung countries such as Uzbekistan, Russia, and Estonia, joined Jamaicans in a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community. Over the years, the Reggae Marathon has attracted runners from more than 25 countries and continues to be an important contributor to Jamaica’s sports tourism product, drawing visitors who travel specifically for the experience and often extend their stay to enjoy the island. The move to Kingston reinforces its growing appeal as a world-class international race.

“We are delighted with how Kingston embraced the Reggae Marathon,” Reggae Marathon Chairman Ian Kelly said. “This move represents a new chapter for the event, while saluting its rich history and the communities it serves. For 24 years Negril has been the home of the Reggae Marathon, and the support we received from the communities there has been invaluable. This year, even as we celebrate our first staging in Kingston, we remain deeply aware of the challenges that Negril and Green Island have faced following Hurricane Melissa. In gratitude for their years of hospitality and dedication, we have launched a relief initiative to provide care packages to families in these communities. It is important that while we grow and evolve the marathon, we continue to give back and honour the places and people who helped build this event into the international celebration it is today.”

This year’s Reggae Marathon featured three race options — the Half Marathon, the 10K, and the 5K — giving runners of all levels the chance to participate in Jamaica’s premier international running event. The certified courses wind through the city’s cultural landmarks, from the National Gallery, Supreme Court, and the scenic Kingston waterfront before continuing through Kingston’s vibrant streets, such as the popular Water Lane art walk, offering a unique blend of athletic challenge and local flavour.

The competition was fierce across all categories. In the Half Marathon, the top three male finishers were Garfield Gordon, Kemar Leslie, and Odaine Davidson, while the top three females were Cecile Heinrich, Dandie Williams, and Tonya Bussee.

For the 10K, the male podium was claimed by Ryan Achau, Jevauhn Henry, and Jevaughn Tomlin, with Florence Nafamba, Jovi Rose, and Feliscia Compass taking the top three spots in the female category.

In the 5K, the male winners were Raheem Walker, Ovell Burton, and Shakeen Ebanks, while the top female finishers were Gizelle James, Allana Lee, and Tanicia White.

The school’s competition also highlighted outstanding young talent, with Bellefield High School, St Jago High School, and Holmwood Technical topping the boys’ team category, while Holmwood Technical and Bellefield High School led the girls’ team standings.