The Sagicor Sigma Run is set to take a major technological leap this year while targeting record participation as organisers roll out enhanced race-tracking systems alongside a renewed push to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

Race Director Alfred Francis, the man behind Running Events Jamaica, revealed that the event has upgraded to advanced MyLaps technology — a highly regarded race management system used at the Winter Olympics, the Chicago Marathon, and other major global races — bringing live participant tracking and expanded finish-line features to the February 15 road race.

“We have sent our team overseas to train, we have bought new decoders, new smart decoders, and this year we are doing live tracking, so you can track your participant,” Francis said. “And we also have the watch yourself finish, which is a video that any person who participates can just put in their number and watch themselves come across the finish line.”

Francis added that the finish area will also be expanded to further enhance the experience for runners, walkers, and spectators alike.

Buoyed by last year’s turnout of around 30,000 participants, organisers are targeting a 10 per cent increase in 2026, with an overall goal of 32,250 entrants across multiple categories. Francis also noted that demand has consistently exceeded expectations, noting that they have had to reorder bibs because of the demand.

“The target this year is 32,250 persons. We have the wheelchair category, we have a walk, we have the run category,” Francis said, while outlining the familiar course through Knutsford Boulevard, Trafalgar Road, Waterloo Road, West Kings House Road, Constant Spring Road, Hope Road, Winchester Road, Ruthven Road, Half-Way-Tree Road, and Oxford Road.

Beyond the numbers and innovation, Francis emphasised that the heart of this year’s Sigma Run is centred on national recovery, with proceeds aimed at restoring schools in western Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in late October.

Now in its 28th year, organisers are hoping that this year’s Sagicor Sigma Run will raise at least $150 million.

“This year, in particular, based on the need created by Hurricane Melissa, our focus is on education and restoring schools and restoring students in the west,” Francis explained. “The target is to get 3,000 students in the west back to normalcy.”

Five schools — Green Pond High, Little London High, Salt Marsh Primary, Mayfield Primary, and Hopewell High — have been earmarked for assistance, though Francis acknowledged that the needs far exceed available resources.

“We have earmarked five schools, and we know that, as Mr Zacca said, there more dogs than bones, but we’re going to do our best,” he said. “And I know that we will surpass the target because Jamaicans are good people and they want to be a part of a good thin, and this Sigma run provides that great avenue for them to participate and donate.”

He also pointed to the event as a clear channel for individuals seeking meaningful ways to contribute.

Francis highlighted that the race will again place heavy emphasis on participant safety and well-being, supported by partnerships with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, the Ministry of Health, and a wide volunteer base.

“You’ll feel good, you’ll feel fulfilled that you are part of a wonderful experience that is making a significant contribution towards Jamaica’s growth and Jamaica’s sustainability,” Francis encouraged.

At last year’s staging, the 5k run event was won by Kingston College’s Victor Kagika, while Elisabeth Mondon took top honours in the female equivalent as $128 million was raised for charity, surpassing the $115 million target.

FRANCIS…you’ll feel good, you’ll feel fulfilled that you are part of a wonderful experience that is making a significant contribution towards Jamaica’s growth and Jamaica’s sustainability (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

From left: Garfield James, principal, Little London High School; Venesha Brown-Gordon, acting principal, Salt Marsh Primary School; and Oraine Ebanks, principal, Green Pond High School, during the Sagicor Sigma Run Monday Exchange at the Jamaica Observer on January 26, 2026.  (Photo: Karl Mclarty)